What is Generation Beta?
Generation Beta includes children born from 2025 to 2039. They follow Generation Alpha (2010 to 2024). By 2035, they will make up 16% of the global population. Many will live to see the 22nd century. This generation will grow up surrounded by AI in healthcare, education, and everyday life. Experts predict self-driving cars and virtual experiences will become normal for them.
Who Names Generations?
Australian research firm McCrindle named Generation Beta and Generation Alpha. They chose the Greek alphabet to signal a shift from Generations X, Y, and Z. Naming generations isn’t official. US psychologist Jean Twenge explains that names and dates emerge through media and public consensus.
Which Generation Are You?
If you’re in secondary school, you’re likely part of Generation Alpha (born after 2010) or Generation Z (1995 to 2009). There is no universal agreement on exact dates, but here’s a general timeline:
- Generation Beta: 2025–2039
- Generation Alpha: 2010–2024
- Generation Z: 1995–2009
- Millennials (Generation Y): 1980–1995
- Generation X: 1966–1980
Online Habits of Generation Alpha
A 2024 Ofcom report shows TikTok and YouTube are the top news sources for 12-15-year-olds. Facebook and Instagram follow. In June 2024, 30% of UK internet users aged 13+ reported encountering upsetting or harmful content. Misinformation was the most common issue, affecting 39% of users. Half of 8-15-year-olds believe they saw a deepfake in early 2024. They feel more confident spotting them than older users.
Social Media Concerns
Social media platforms face pressure to protect young users. Instagram now uses AI to identify underage accounts. YouTube remains the most popular platform. Over 80% of 3-17-year-olds watch or upload content.
AI and Education
Ofcom reports that 54% of children used generative AI in 2024. Most used it for schoolwork. This has sparked debate about AI’s reliability, as it learns from online data. One-third of 8-15-year-olds trust information from AI tools.
