If you thought Gen Z was a challenge for marketers, brace yourselves – Generation Beta is coming! This upcoming group of young people, born between 2025 and 2039, will be the first true digital natives. These kids will play with AI the same way we used to play with Lego bricks.
Let’s dive into the world of these emerging trailblazers and explore what their arrival means for the world of marketing, technology, and society as a whole.
Who is Generation Beta and what makes them special?
Generation Beta will be the first to live entirely in a post-pandemic world. Masks? Lockdowns? For them, these will just be historical anecdotes shared during history classes. However, “Betas” will grow up in a world grappling with climate change, meaning they’ll face tough decisions about where to live, work, and, of course, how to survive increasingly hot summers.
Their parents? Mostly Gen Z and Millennials—people who grew up with technology but also understand the importance of balancing online and offline life. In other words, they will be raised with “conscious parenting,” where screen time is limited, and sustainability is a core value. Think of it as the modern-day version of: “You can hop on VR, but only after you finish your homework!”
Technology and social media will be their second oxygen
If you think Generation Alpha is glued to their screens, just wait until you see Generation Beta. Consider this: 65% of Gen Alpha kids spend up to four hours a day on social media, with an average of two hours daily on YouTube alone. These kids won’t just “learn” technology—it will be second nature to them. We’re talking about AI, autonomous vehicles, wearable tech, and virtual worlds that will feel as real to them as the park across the street (if parks even exist anymore).
Experts already predict that Generation Beta will use social media as an extension of their identity. Their friends won’t just be people—they’ll also be AI assistants and AI influencers. Imagine a world where your child’s favorite TikTok creator isn’t even a real person. In fact, we’re already there—AI influencers like Miquela and Aitana exist today. Crazy, right?
How to connect with Generation Beta
Rule #1 for marketing to Generation Beta? Personalization is key. This generation will have zero patience for generic ads. If your brand doesn’t know what they want before they even realize it themselves, you’ll quickly become irrelevant. Some marketing experts believe that they will favor brands offering instant rewards and interactive experiences—think virtual dressing rooms and AR/VR applications as the new normal.
But it’s not just about technology. Generation Beta will also demand values. Sustainable products? Absolutely. Transparency? No question. Emotional connections with brands? Sounds like we’re talking about relationships, but yes—Generation Beta will expect brands that “get them.”
What will be challenges and opportunities in the new world?
Generation Beta won’t have an easy road ahead. Climate change, rapid urbanization, and societal inequalities will be daily hurdles. Yet, on the flip side, these young people will have the tools for change: technology, creativity, and a deep connection to the environment.
Their world will be one of sustainability, global connectivity, and inclusivity. AI is already helping in the fight against climate change—tracking icebergs melting a thousand times faster than a human could and accelerating reforestation in hard-to-reach areas of Brazil with AI-powered drones. Generation Beta will continue to develop these technologies and find new solutions for the challenges of the future. Who knows? Maybe Generation Beta will be the one to solve global warming—all while listening to their AI-curated Spotify playlist.
Are we ready for them?
Generation Beta is bringing with them a world full of potential and challenges. They’ll be the generation that reshapes technology, societal norms, and how we think about marketing. But perhaps the most important lesson they’ll teach us is this: adaptation is everything.
So, let me ask you—are you ready for a new generation of consumers who will demand more, expect it faster, and crave content tailored to their needs like never before?
One thing’s for sure—it’s time to adapt because they won’t wait for us. Until then, get your holographic campaigns ready and train your AI assistants because this new generation is coming faster than you think!
Sources:
1. The Star: Generation Beta starts today: What will the world look like for babies born in 2025?
2. Global News: Generation Beta explained
3. LinkedIn: Gen Beta – Newborn consumers who redefine your marketing
4. Woke Waves: Generation Beta Characteristics, Challenges & Future
