Sociologists have revealed what awaits children born from 2025 onwards.

Children born in 2025 will be the first members of the new Beta generation, Australian demographer and social researcher Mark McCrindle wrote in his blog. He coined the term "Generation Alpha," which refers to people born between 2010 and 2024 .

The new generation will last until 2039, and by 2035, its members will make up 16% of the world's population. Many will survive into the 22nd century, McCrindle believes.

Previously, each new generation was assigned a letter of the Latin alphabet. For example, those born between 1964 and 1980 became Generation X, those born between 1981 and 1996 were Generation Y, or millennials. The final letter, Z, was assigned to the Zoomers (1997–2010). By introducing the term "Generation Alpha," McCrindle wanted to emphasize that today's children were born into a completely new era, specifically, they had never known life without new technologies.

The Beta generation, according to the sociologist, will live in a world where artificial intelligence and automation are an integral part of everyday life—from education and the workplace to healthcare and entertainment. "They will grow up in a world shaped by technological breakthroughs, changing social norms, and a growing focus on sustainability," McCrindle writes.

At the same time, he notes, those born after 2025 "will inherit a world grappling with serious social challenges," including climate change. As a result, members of the new generation will be more "collaborative than ever before" and globally minded.

Researcher Jason Dorsey notes that the Beta generation will begin their lives very differently than the Alpha generation. Specifically, the children of millennials and Zoomers will be born into a "post-pandemic world" and will not face the school closures and social isolation due to COVID-19 that have irreversibly impacted their older siblings and other relatives. Smart devices and artificial intelligence will become an integral part of the Beta generation's lives. "Climate change will still be a very big issue for them," the expert believes.

According to Dorsey, the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks were the defining event for millennials, while for Zoomers, it was the pandemic. It's too early to say which moment will be pivotal for alpha and beta generations.

Some researchers criticize the generational theory. For example, the Pew Research Center believes that race and class are more important factors determining group cohesion.

Read pionerprodukt .by on Telegram .