Australian demographer and futurist Mark McCrindle has named the generation born between 2025 and 2039 the ‘Beta Generation’ because they will experience a world closely related to artificial intelligence (AI) from the moment they are born.
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▲[Korean Today] Photo = Mark McCrindle © Reporter Byun A-rong |
Generation Beta is the eighth generation since the 20th century, following Generation Z and Generation Alpha, and is expected to grow up in a post-pandemic world and be the first generation to experience the 22nd century. They will live in an environment where the boundaries between the digital and physical worlds disappear, and the virtual and the real are merged.
The main characteristic of the Beta generation is that they grew up using AI on a daily basis. Unlike the Alpha generation, who experienced the development of smart technology and AI, the Beta generation is more likely to use AI skillfully in an environment where AI has completely permeated their lives.
This generation is expected to be the first to experience cutting-edge technologies such as self-driving public transportation, wearable AI health devices, and immersive virtual reality (VR) in their daily lives. Born in an environment where AI technology has become a part of every aspect of life, they are expected to be called ‘AI natives’ rather than ‘digital natives.’
However, rapid climate change, population movement, and social changes such as urbanization are cited as major challenges they will face. McCrindle emphasized that “Generation Beta lives in a world where sustainability is not a choice but a necessity, and must actively participate in solving climate change and social issues.”
The Beta Generation is expected to be the main force leading the future led by AI and digital technology, while also being the generation responsible for realizing sustainability. McCrindle expected them to open up new paths amidst technological and environmental changes.
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