Who Is Gen Beta? The Next Big Consumer Group Is Closer Than You Think
Forget Gen Z and Alpha: children born between 2025 and 2039 will be AI-native, and the race to understand them begins now
For decades, we’ve dissected generations, tracing their quirks, ambitions, and the seismic events that have shaped them. From Baby Boomers to Gen Z—and now Gen Alpha—each has left its mark, redefining the world in its own way. We were just getting used to the digital natives of Gen Alpha when a new wave appeared on the horizon: Generation Beta.
Coined by Australian demographer Mark McCrindle, Gen Beta refers to those born between 2025 and 2039. The name itself evokes a sense of experimentation—a beta test or trial run for what’s yet to come. And in many respects, that’s exactly what this generation will be: the first to grow up fully immersed in an AI-driven, hyper-connected, and rapidly evolving world.
Gen Beta Won’t Remember a World Without AI—And That Changes Everything
Unlike their predecessors, Gen Beta will never experience a world without artificial intelligence, large language models, and hyper-realistic virtual realities.
While Millennials marvelled at the emergence of the internet and Gen Z navigated the rise of social media, Gen Beta will take these technologies for granted. AI assistants, smart homes, and digital companions will not be futuristic concepts but standard elements of everyday life.
@7newsaustralia When the clock strikes midnight we won't just be starting a New Year. We'll be welcoming a whole new generation. Babies born in 2025 will be the first of a new age group called 'Generation Beta'. This next cohort of kids will continue until 2039 and will live in an era where AI and automation are fully embedded in everyday life-from education and workplaces to healthcare and entertainment. #genbeta #genbeta2025 #newyearseve #nye #NYE2025 #nye2025 #tech #technology #ai #techtok #7NEWS ♬ original sound - 7NEWS Australia
Imagine a world where childhood friends aren’t just human but also AI-driven avatars, seamlessly integrated into education and entertainment—welcome to Gen Beta.
This level of technological integration will redefine how we learn, work, and interact socially. Schools will likely rely heavily on AI-driven personalised learning, with algorithms identifying the best educational paths for each child. Traditional classrooms may gradually fade into hybrid digital environments where students collaborate in virtual spaces with peers from around the globe.
Fail to Embrace Sustainability, and Your Brand Will Fade
Gen Beta won’t just inherit a world of tech wonders; they’ll also inherit global crises. Climate change, economic instability, and shifting political landscapes will shape their upbringing.
By 2035, Generation Beta is projected to represent 16% of the global population, emerging in an era where sustainability is seen as an imperative rather than a choice.
Growing up amid rising temperatures, dwindling resources, and frequent climate disasters, Gen Beta may become the most environmentally conscious generation yet. Their parents—Gen Z and Millennials—have already pushed sustainability to the forefront, but Gen Beta will take it even further.
Expect to see eco-conscious fashion, carbon-neutral lifestyles, and a redefinition of what it means to be a consumer. Brands that fail to prioritise sustainability won’t just be criticised; they’ll be irrelevant.
Why Gen Beta Will Drive Change in Justice, Inclusivity, and Digital Expression
Raised by Gen Z and Millennials—two of the most socially aware generations—Gen Beta will likely continue the fight for justice, equality, and inclusivity.
However, unlike previous generations who had to raise awareness actively, Gen Beta will inherit a world where battles for rights, equality, and representation are already shaping cultural norms. Diversity won’t just be celebrated—it will be the baseline.
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Moreover, the concept of identity will become more fluid than ever. As the boundaries between digital and physical realities blur, new forms of self-expression will emerge. After a period of waning interest in digital fashion in favour of physical styles, it will make a comeback, exploding as Gen Beta spends more time in virtual spaces. They’ll customise avatars with high-fashion digital wearables, often prioritising virtual garments over physical ones. Luxury brands that embrace this shift will thrive, while those clinging to traditional models will risk fading into obscurity.
What Growing Up in a World of Tighter Online Privacy Really Means
One of the most interesting aspects of Gen Beta is how they’ll navigate online safety and privacy. Their predecessors, Gen Alpha, were the first to be fully exposed to the pitfalls of social media oversharing, cyberbullying, and algorithm-driven manipulation. As a result, Gen Beta’s families may adopt a more protective stance.
We might see tighter regulations on data privacy, stricter controls over children’s social media usage, and a cultural shift away from “sharenting”—the practice of parents oversharing details about their children’s lives online. But will this lead to a generation that values privacy more, or will it result in new forms of digital expression that bypass traditional social media platforms altogether?
How Gen Beta Will Redefine the Future of Fashion
What will fashion look like for Gen Beta? While Gen Z and Millennials revived nostalgia through Y2K aesthetics and thrifting culture, Gen Beta will likely propel fashion into a hyper-digital world.
Expect smart fabrics that change colour and texture based on mood or environment, AI-generated fashion collections, and even deeper integration between digital and physical wardrobes.
As mentioned earlier, sustainability won’t just be a trend; it will become a standard. Second-hand shopping, rental services, and biodegradable materials will take centre stage, while fast fashion may struggle to keep up with the growing demand for ethical production. Fashion will evolve from merely being a means of personal expression to a way of making a statement about values and responsibility.
Angelo Ruggeri
Journalist and Master Course Tutor & Fashion Styling Course Leader, Milan