Move over Gen Alpha...Gen Beta is coming.
As Gen Z steps into the roles of parents and mentors, the stage is being set for the emergence of their successors - Gen Beta.
Born from 2025 to 2039, Gen Beta will be poised to inherit a world profoundly shaped by rapid technological advancements and evolving societal norms.
We have the opportunity to influence this new generation for Christ. Let's look at some of the the defining characteristics, anticipated challenges, and hopeful expectations surrounding Gen Beta.
Gen Alpha is kids born between 2010 and 2024. The coming Gen Beta will be kids born between 2025 and 2039. They will be the children of Millennials and older Gen Zers.
Researchers are predicting that by the middle of the 2030s, Gen Beta will make up 16% of the global population. Here is the most current predictions for Gen Beta and several other generations.
Gen Beta is currently 0% of the population. By 2035, they will be 16% of the population.
Gen Alpha is currently 23% of the population. By 2035. they will be 23% of the population.
Gen Z is currently 23% of the population. By 2035, they will be 20% of the population.
Gen Y is currently 21% of the population. By 2035, they will be 20% of the population.
Gen X is currently 17% of the population. By 2035, they will be 14% of the population.
Boomers are currently 13% of the population. By 2035, they will be 7% of the population.
Obviously technology will play a big role in the life of coming generations.
Gen Beta will be the first generation to grow up in the 21st century and experience life solely in a technological age. They will be tech natives who are comfortable with smartphones, apps, and online learning.
“Generation Beta will likely consider digital technology as a fundamental part of their existence, much like electricity was to previous generations.” -Dr. Sarah Benson
Gen Beta will grow up immersed in technology. They will be proficient with digital tools from an early age because of their constant exposure to technology. They will be hyper connected.
Today's parents (especially Millennial parents) use technology as a tool for education and entertainment. This will continue as parents use social media to document their child's lives. Gen Z parents are very aware of the benefits and challenges that come with social media.
We will see the parents of Gen Beta very engaged in the social media usage of their children.
Gen Beta will be very tech-savvy and socially conscious.
Gen Beta will be is the first generation to grow up in the 21st century and experience life solely in a technological age. They will have to learn how to navigate a world where rapid technological advancements are the norm and be tech natives who are comfortable with smartphones, apps, and online learning.
Gen Beta will be diverse.
They are expected to have a strong appreciation for diversity and embrace change and difference. Gen Beta will grow up in a society where diversity in race, gender, sexuality, and lifestyle is not only accepted but celebrated.
“Expect Generation Beta to be the most inclusive generation yet, where diversity is not just recognized but inherently valued.” Dr. Michael Thompson.
Gen Beta will be very creative.
They will be creative thinkers and use AI tools for design, storytelling, and problem-solving.
Online learners.
80% of the Beta Generation will be engaged in online learning. AI will personalize education and provide instant access to information that is far beyond text books.
These are just a few of the characteristics of Gen Beta. I want to encourage you to continue to study and learn more about Gen Beta. We will only have a short window of time to reach them. Begin now, asking questions and strategizing based on what you learn about them.
We know that each generation needs Jesus and we must do whatever we can to connect them with Him. Look what Paul said in 1 Corinthians 9. I am convicted each time a read this.
Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. 20 To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. 21 To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law. 22 To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. 23 I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.
Will you join me in this journey? Will you be willing to change and adjust as needed? Are you willing to lay it all down for the sake of the Gen Beta?
