Gen Beta is likely to make up for 16% of the world population as early as 2035, experts shed light on probable characteristics and concerns
Move over Gen Z and Gen Alpha, because Gen Beta is finally here! The digital and physical worlds will be one seamless universe for Beta babies (born between January 1, 2025 and 2039). Some Beta folks will live long enough to see the wonders of the 22nd Century. But it was baby Frankie aka Frankie Remruatdika Zadeng, who made history as India’s first child belonging to Gen Beta. He was born in Mizoram on January 1, 2025. Beta babies have entered an AI-driven society surrounded by immersive digital experiences, self-driving cars and a limitless arena of artificial intelligence.
Baby’s Day Out
As per a recent McCrindle’s blog post, Gen beta is likely to make up for 16% of the world population as early as 2035.
This isn’t just about a generation coming into existence but a significant demographic shift. It will cast its shadow on economies, cultures and societies across the world. Experts opine that one of the most staggering characteristics, a few ‘brownie points’ to this
Gen Beta would be its longevity. Thanks to advances in technology and healthcare, most Beta kids are expected to live healthy and go well into the 22nd Century.
Hard Facts
Gen Beta seems to have entered into a cobweb of tech-driven possibilities and human connection falling short. “From AI-powered toys to automatic vehicles and healthcare systems, Gen Beta will seamlessly
navigate an automated world,” says Dr Madhumitha Ezhil, a Toddler Screen-time Expert.
The Beta babies are all set to have personalised AI learning experiences that could probably witness the emergence of independent and self-paced learners as well. However, given the vastness of tech in and around beta babies, there is a chance that these babies have an increased reliance on AI companions and Digi interactions instead of real-world people.
“Such reliance may indeed lead to heightened mental health challenges, including feelings of isolation and reduced interpersonal empathy,” explains Dr Madhumitha.
However, she is optimistic that given their exposure and involvement into the nuances of data-intensive technologies such as cooling systems, beta babies may be more environmentally conscious. They are also set to face disastrous repercussions of global warming like no other generation before!
It is unclear if the Beta generation would know the importance of nurturing and investing in social relationships and society as a whole. Sahas Chopra, Creator & Entrepreneur, Founder of Squid Media says, “Being a millennial myself I have seen tech go from dial-up modems to high-speed internet taking the world by storm.” He says that generation beta is going to be geared and pushed into an inexplicable, immersive storm of technologies and superficially created realities like AR/VR. Sahas exclaims, “Gen Alpha developed a reputation of being “iPad kids” popularizing perplexing obsessions with skibidi toilets. I wonder what Beta babies are soon going to bring up.”
The Human Touch
While beta babies seem to be up for a lot, they certainly may face challenges when it comes to social interactions. “Today, human engagement is being sacrificed for digital engagement which is giving rise to several behavioural issues,” explains Dr. Samir H Dalwai, Developmental Behavioural Paediatrician. This rise of digitalisation that seems to have garnered everyone’s attention surely comes with a plethora of offerings that also seep in diminishing effects if not curbed. One sad reality that adds here is the massive shift into the digital landscape with a reverse shift from our immediate surroundings and realities inclusive of people, uncherished bonds and untouched possibilities.
Dr Samir opines that the digital world for Gen Beta could expose them to huge chunks of information that would eventually perpetuate thoughts and constructs, taking them away from ground reality and humans. In simple words, creating a false reality of its own that may not even exist. Chopra adds, “The issue is that we as humans are simply not trained about where to stop”.
Chopra feels that this new generation, while enjoying tech-related advancements and luxuries, would also be extremely susceptible to issues relating to self-esteem, isolation from society and overreliance on digital spaces, artificially created worlds and relationships.
Parental Caution
Parents act as foot soldiers in helping their younger ones, especially those born in the Beta generation to differentiate and be cautious about what’s real and reel. Dr Samir firmly believes that tech has reached its peak of dominance. He says, “Instead of using terms like digital native — a term which seems to ‘normalise’ the dominance of digital influence over a child’s life, we should be more concerned about social nativeness.”
Getting jobs would be another challenge in an AI-driven digital world. Sahas says, “You never know, there might be a scenario where traditional careers no longer exist.” Implying further that these kids would then have to be ‘super adaptable’ to adhere to a world that is entirely revamped from what it is known to have been. A sigh of relief is that Gen Beta may also turn out to be the most resilient generation as they would be well aware of how flexible, creative and tech-savvy they’re expected to be to thrive and survive in an AI-driven world.
Generation Gyaan
• Gen X: 1965 to 1980
• Gen Y (Millennials): 1981 to 1996
• Gen Z: 1997 to 2010
• Gen Alpha: 2010 to 2024
• Gen Beta: 2025 to 2039
Today, human engagement is being sacrificed for digital engagement which certainly gives rise to several behavioural issues” — Dr. Samir H Dalwai, Developmental Behavioural Paediatrician
Gen Alpha developed a reputation of being “iPad kids” popularizing perplexing obsessions with skibidi toilets. I wonder what Beta babies are soon going to bring up.” — Sahas Chopra, Creator & Entrepreneur, Founder of Squid Media
