03/01/2025
to the rightful owner
Kilala nyo ba ang MGA GENERATIONS?
Read thisβ¦
WELCOME GENERATION BETA
LIKE A CIRCLE
THE MANILA TIMES
By Dr Carl E. Balita
January 3, 2025
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MOVE over Generation Alpha, the new generation is born β in Generation Beta. Generation Beta is defined as those born between 2025 and 2039. According to Mark McCrindle, an Australian social researcher and leading generational analyst, by 2035, they are estimated to make up at least 16 percent of the global population. Those who are born in 2025 will be 76 years old when the year 2101 comes around β and many of them will live into the 22nd century.
They are natives of the industry 4.0 which brings to us new digital landscapes with breakthrough innovations in robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, Internet of Things and the cyber-physical systems.
Before we understand them, it is worthwhile to understand humanity across generations.
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Gen-telligence: Generations in snapshots
Generational definitions are most useful when they span a set age range and so allow meaningful appreciations across generations β spanning 15 years each. Generational transitions are more than just chronological classification β they are defined by the events, technologies and cultural shifts of their time. There are variations in the years that correspond to the generations.
Those born between 1928 and 1945 are regarded as the Silent Generation (now 80 to 97 years old). They experienced the great depression which created the pre-conditions for World War II. The rise and fall of Hi**er and the story of the Holocaust β the N**i Germany's systematic mass murder campaign. Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor leading to World War II. And the atomic bombs in 1945 that brought WW II to an end.
The Baby Boomers are those born between 1946 and 1964 (now 61 to 79 years old). The end of the war led to the baby boom β then the largest in history. They became the targeted specific age group of the entrepreneurs because of its share to the population. This led to the consumerism in many industries like that of music which was through transistors, vinyl records and record charts with names like Elvis Presley and the Beatles. They dominated in the 1980s in their teenage years through the hippie culture, and took control of economic and political power.
Those born between 1965 and 1980 belong to Generation X, and are 45 to 60 years old. This era was marked by the moon landing, assassination of Martin Luther King and John F. Kennedy, the first mobile phone, the visionary film "Star Wars," and the arcade game that inspired them all β Pacman. Between 1970 and 1980 shifted societal values leading to what was referred to as the latchkey generation β children at a time when society was less focused on children. The Gen X childhood coincided with the sexual revolution of 1960 to 1980s.
The millennial, or Generation Y, are those born between 1980 and 1995 (now 29 to 44 years old). They surpassed the baby boomers in terms of population. The defining characteristic of millennials is that they came of age during the era of a major technological shift, especially the rise of the internet. They are called digital natives who had first access to computers, cell phones and smartphones at a young age. They become target consumers for social media and streaming entertainment, and integrate digital technology in their daily lives from shopping (like Amazon), network (like LinkedIn), entertainment (like Spotify, Netflix, YouTube), dates (Tinder, Grinder). Millennials are not passive users of technology, as they are main drivers. Millennial technology founders include Mark Zuckerber (Facebook), Zhang Yiming (TikTok), Kevin Systrom and Mike Kreiger (Instagram).
Gen Z-ers are those born between 1995 and 2009 (now 13 to 28 years old). They are shaped by the great recession and the Covid-19 pandemic. They grew up in the Iphone era, which gained them the title I Generation. They are regarded as the first true digital native generation as they live their lives fully connected digitally. They are believed to be a more pragmatic and earlier to mature generation as may be brought about by their experiences of adversities.
Born of the 21st century
It was Mark McCrindle who named the current generation Alpha as they are the first generation to be born entirely in the first century β a start of something new, not a return to the old. They belong to the generation raised in a new world of technological integration, and they are shaped by a different world.
The Alphas are born between 2010 and 2024 (now 14 years old and below). By the end of their era, they will number almost 2 billion β the largest generation in the history of the world.
This young generation has brand influence and purchasing power beyond their years. They are popular culture influencers who shape the social media landscape and are the emerging consumers as they move into adulthood, the workforce and the household formation.
Screens are placed in front of them from the youngest age as pacifiers, entertainers and educational aids. Their formative years are marked by screen saturations, as they are the most technologically savvy generation ever. There's no doubt that Generation Alpha will feel this influence in their education β their ability to teach themselves new skills β and their earning ability which now occur anywhere as digital entrepreneurs to a boundless market.
The emerging generations have access to information about anything with the rise of the internet β which incites creativity and innovation like never before.
With advancement in medical technology and wellness advocacies, the younger generations are believed to enjoy a longer lifespan than any previous generation.
Children of the hour: Generation Beta
Generation Beta represents a pivotal chapter in our transformative society shaped by a tech-saturated world β the seamless digital and physical worlds. They will live in an era where AI and automation are fully embedded in everyday life. This includes a generation to first experience autonomous transportation, wearable health technologies and immersive virtual environments as standard aspects of daily life. A default to their social connection will be digital interaction β navigating friendships, education and careers.
Personalization marks their formative years by AI algorithms which tailor their choices and preferences. Their parenting will be taken by their millennial parents leveraging technology as a tool for education, connection and entertainment, but prompting mindful balance screen time with outdoor activities and interpersonal interactions.
Generation Beta will be more globally minded, community-focused and collaborative. Their upbringing will emphasize the importance of innovation not just for convenience, but for solving the challenges of their time.
It is predicted that Generation Beta will embody the balance between hyper-connectivity and personal expression. They will grow up in a world shaped by technological breakthroughs, transforming social and global norms, and a heightened focus on sustainability and social purpose. Major societal change, like climate change, marks the Generation Beta. Sustainability will not just be an option but a preference. Social purpose will become a differentiator of the future.
Indeed, appreciating generations is the key to shaping a better future.
https://www.manilatimes.net/2025/01/03/opinion/columns/welcome-generation-beta/2029456
