Brand new generation of kids will begin this week as people hit out at 'terrible' name chosen
You've heard of Gen Xs and Gen Zs, but what about Gen Bs?
That's right, a brand new generation of tots - born between 2025 and 2039 - is set to take over the world in the coming years.
And according to experts, the official title of this batch of babies will likely be used to inspire the names they receive from mum and dad - a prospect that not everyone is thrilled by.
Advert
In a recent blog post, demographer and consultant Mark McCrindle wrote that Gen Bs - who'll be the children of millennials and older members of Gen Z - will make up 16 per cent of the global population by the year 2035.
He added that many of these babies 'will live to see the 22nd century', and that they'll make up 19 per cent of the world's workforce that year.
"Generation Beta represents the dawn of a new era," he penned.
"They will grow up in a world shaped by breakthroughs in technology, evolving social norms, and an increasing focus on sustainability and global citizenship."
Naturally, when new trends roll around, however, they're often used to inspire the names of children born around that time period.
And that's exactly what McCrindle thinks will happen when the New Year rolls around, believing we'll see a colossal surge in babies being called 'Beta', after the official name of the forthcoming generation.
As we say, however, not every potential parent agrees with the moniker, with some taking to social media to take fire at the notion.
"Beta is a terrible name, nobody is calling them that," one recently penned.
Another wrote: "Beta sounds like they're in a testing phase".
"They will rename themselves," a third teased.
"I think this is a horrible name for the next generation. Beta does not have positive connotations," another jibed.
Asked what he predicts the world will look like for Gen Bs, McCrindle naturally jumped straight to technology.
"For Generation Beta, the digital and physical worlds will be seamless," he wrote.
"While Generation Alpha [people born between the early 2010s and mid 2020] has experienced the rise of smart technology and artificial intelligence, Generation Beta will live in an era where AI and automation are fully embedded in everyday life—from education and workplaces to healthcare and entertainment."
He went on to estimate: "They will likely be the first generation to experience autonomous transportation at scale, wearable health technologies, and immersive virtual environments as standard aspects of daily life.
"Their formative years will be marked by a greater emphasis on personalisation—AI algorithms will tailor their learning, shopping, and social interactions in ways we can only begin to imagine today."
He also predicts that social media will be used differently by members of this community, compared to their predecessors.
"While many Millennial parents used social media to document their children’s lives, Generation Z know more about both the positives and challenges that come with social media use from a young age," McCrindle went on.
"Gen Z parents are more likely to strongly agree that limiting their child’s screen time is a high priority for them.
"As the most technologically savvy generation of parents, Gen Z see the benefits of technology and screen time, but equally they see the downsides of it and are pushing back on technology and the age at which their children access and engage with it."
Topics: Gen Z, Parenting, Life, Real Life, True Life, Pregnancy
Rhianna Benson