I had this conversation with a millennial friend about the Gen Beta that will be born in 2025.
We talked about how millennials worked so hard to dismantle certain beliefs that should no longer exist. That angst we carry in changing norms and breaking cycles passed down from previous generations is real. Then we ended up telling each other that sooner or later, we’ll be on the other side of the conversation—holding on to things we think are okay, only for the next generation to challenge them. And honestly? That excites me. The future, where more toxic norms are dismantled because we refuse to stay silent, is the goal. It’s about creating an even better world for the generations to come.
In 2025, a new generation will be born: Generation Beta. As a Filipino, and someone who has witnessed the evolution of mindsets across generations, I’m both curious and hopeful about what Gen Beta will bring. To understand them, let’s take a step back and look at how generations before them have shaped the world.
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Generations and their defining traits
Generations are more than just labels; they’re reflections of the times. They embody shared experiences, values, and challenges. Let’s start with the oldest named cohort, the Greatest Generation (born 1901-1927). These were the resilient individuals who survived the Great Depression and World War II. Their values of sacrifice and patriotism laid the foundation for the Baby Boomers (born 1946-1964), who benefited from post-war economic stability. Boomers are known for their optimism and drive, but they also faced criticism for their perceived resistance to change.
Then came Generation X (born 1965-1980), often called the “Latchkey Generation.” They grew up in an era of rising divorce rates and dual-income households, fostering independence and adaptability. Gen X parents brought a more hands-on approach to raising their children compared to their own hands-off upbringing.
Millennials (born 1981-1996) are perhaps the most scrutinized generation. Shaped by the digital revolution, they’re known for their optimism and community orientation. As parents, millennials have embraced progressive values, encouraging their children to explore their identities freely. Many of us millennials grew up being “helicoptered over,” so we’ve chosen a freer approach to parenting.
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Gen Z (born 1997-2009) took digital immersion to the next level. They’re the first generation to grow up entirely in the internet age. While their hyperconnectivity has fostered creativity and global awareness, it’s also brought challenges like anxiety and information overload. Shaped by the pandemic and economic disruptions, Gen Z tends to be more cautious and pragmatic.
Generation Alpha (born 2010-2024), the children of millennials, are still forming their identity. They’re growing up in a tech-driven world with strong family bonds and an emphasis on inclusivity. Despite concerns about screen time and digital dependency, there’s hope that this generation will leverage technology to solve global problems.
Enter Gen Beta
Generation Beta will be born between 2025 and 2039. What sets them apart is the world they’re stepping into. Technology will be more integrated into daily life than ever before. Think AI-driven learning, smart cities, and perhaps even breakthroughs in space exploration. They’ll grow up in a society that’s increasingly diverse and inclusive, where acceptance is not just encouraged but expected.
As Filipino parents, we’ll play a crucial role in shaping this generation. How do we prepare for a world we can’t fully predict? By staying adaptable and open-minded. It’s easy to cling to what we know, but as history has shown, every generation brings its own set of challenges and innovations.
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What can we learn from the past?
Looking back, each generation’s struggles have paved the way for the next. The Greatest Generation’s sacrifices enabled Baby Boomers to thrive. Gen X’s independence laid the groundwork for millennials’ focus on community. Millennials’ progressive parenting is helping Gen Alpha navigate a complex digital world. And Gen Z’s cautious optimism is a reminder that resilience is built through adversity.
For Gen Beta, we can anticipate a world where curiosity and inclusivity are paramount. But they’ll also face challenges we can’t yet foresee. As parents, we need to foster critical thinking, empathy, and adaptability in our children. Let’s teach them to embrace change while holding onto values that truly matter—respect, kindness, and resilience.
The Filipino perspective
In the Philippines, family remains at the heart of everything. This cultural anchor will continue to shape how we raise Gen Beta. Our unique blend of tradition and adaptability is a strength. While we honor the past, we’re also unafraid to challenge norms that no longer serve us. Let’s use this to guide Gen Beta toward becoming compassionate, innovative, and globally aware individuals.
Hope for the future
Every generation has its flaws, but also its potential to inspire change. As we welcome Gen Beta, let’s remember that they’re not just inheriting the world we’ve built; they’re shaping the one to come. The conversations we have, the values we instill, and the examples we set will ripple through their lives.
I’m excited to see what Gen Beta will challenge and create. Perhaps they’ll dismantle norms we’ve yet to question. Perhaps they’ll bring solutions to problems we’ve struggled to solve. Whatever the future holds, one thing is certain: the journey continues, and it’s up to us to guide them with hope and humility.
Najib, S. (2024, October 17). Your guide to all the generation names and years, from Greatest to Gen Beta. Good Morning America. Retrieved from https://www.goodmorningamerica.com
