Understanding the Beta Generation: 2025 and Beyond
Millennials, Gen Z, Alpha, and then Beta. As we enter the late 2020s, we’ve seen the Alpha generation grow up. By 2030, the spotlight will shift to a new generation, the Beta generation. These kids are born after 2025 and will grow up in a world very different from the one we know.
by Dr. Finn (MediaBrain Team Leader)
What’s the Beta Generation? 😮
The Beta generation refers to those born after 2025 who will become adults in the 2040s. These kids will grow up surrounded by advanced technologies like AI, AR/VR, robots, and various smart devices. For example, an 8-year-old Beta generation child named Jiwoo starts each day studying with personalized educational content prepared by an AI assistant. Instead of attending classes with a teacher, Jiwoo joins virtual classrooms with friends from around the world to learn history and explore ancient ruins through augmented reality. After school, Jiwoo learns coding with a robot friend and even visits friends’ houses using autonomous drones.
How are they different from our generation? 😶🌫️
The Beta generation will be “digital storytellers” beyond being just digital natives. They will grow up with AI, AR, and VR, becoming proficient in using technology and creating and sharing creative content across various digital platforms. One key characteristic of the Beta generation is their ability to think in a technologically integrated manner. They’ll not only use technology but also combine different technologies to create new solutions, like using AI to address environmental issues or revolutionizing history education through VR.
Will they really be that different? 😵
Yes. The Beta generation will excel in digital empathy, forming deep connections in digital environments. This means they’ll need to empathize and collaborate in digital spaces. They’ll create new forms of social relationships through their digital empathy. Additionally, they will value hyper-personalized experiences. Thanks to AI and big data, they’ll receive tailored experiences reflecting their needs and preferences in education, entertainment, shopping, and more.
What about the declining population in our country? 🫥 That’s right. The Beta generation will grow up amid South Korea’s continuous decline in birth rates and changing population structure. This means these kids will grow up in smaller family structures, receiving more focused resources. For example, Jiwoo might often be an only child or have very few siblings. With concentrated attention and support from parents, grandparents, and even great-grandparents, Jiwoo will have access to more educational resources and emotional support. Growing up in such an environment, Jiwoo will have high expectations for personal achievement and growth, along with a greater sense of responsibility and independence.
What will a day in the life of a Beta generation kid look like? 😋
Their consumption patterns will be significantly different. The Beta generation will normalize activities in the metaverse. Economic activities in the virtual world, like buying virtual real estate, trading digital items, and attending virtual performances, will become common. They’ll make consumption decisions with AI assistants. For example, an AI assistant might recommend a personalized diet based on the individual’s health status and environment and automatically order the necessary ingredients. The demand for biohacking products will increase as interest in self-improvement and health management rises, leading to popular items like gene-tailored supplements, smart clothing, and health management services through biometric data analysis. Transportation will see flying cars and autonomous vehicles become routine, bringing significant changes to the transport infrastructure and related industries.
And what comes after the Beta generation? 🫣
The Gamma generation refers to those born after the mid-2040s. They will experience an even more advanced technological environment. The Gamma generation will grow up in a society built on deep technological integration and sustainability. For example, children born in the 2050s will engage in creative and autonomous learning with the help of robots and AI. They’ll maintain their health through personalized gene therapies and experience space travel as a normal part of life.
The Gamma generation will live in a hyper-connected society, leading to more efficient and smart lifestyles. Smart homes will predict and respond automatically to human needs. Additionally, the Gamma generation will take living in space as a given, not just traveling but also residing on the Moon or Mars. Lastly, they will witness extreme technological advancements to address climate change and environmental issues, with significant roles played by carbon capture technology, green energy, and ecological restoration techniques.
Almost like a sci-fi movie, huh? 😵💫
The Beta generation leading 2030 and the upcoming Gamma generation will grow up in a digital and technologically advanced environment, heavily influenced by technology, environment, and social values. South Korea needs to prepare in various fields, including education, industry, and policy, to keep up with these changes. The rise of the Beta and Gamma generations will bring new opportunities and challenges, making it crucial to be ready for them. 😊
