Prior to Gen Beta, Generation Alpha was the youngest generation. Though there are slight disagreements about the exact time frame, Gen Alpha is commonly thought to include people born between 2010 and 2024. And, as is the case with older generations, Gen Alpha and Gen Beta will continue to be analyzed as they age.

Generational cohorts are typically evaluated by their shared formative experiences, such as the major events they live through, as well as the technological and social shifts, according to Pew Research Center.

“While younger and older adults may differ in their views at a given moment, generational cohorts allow researchers to examine how today’s older adults felt about a given issue when they themselves were young, as well as to describe how the trajectory of views might differ across generations,” wrote the think tank’s president, Michael Dimock, in an article from a few years ago.

Though it can sometimes be problematic to characterize broad groups of people by focusing on birth years alone — especially when considering varying factors like race, sex, gender identity, disabilities and socioeconomics — generations are often widely identified by certain traits and stereotypes.

For example, baby boomers, who were born between 1946 and 1964, are typically associated with having a strong work ethic and being dedicated to their careers. Millennials, born between 1981 and 1996, are known for their adoption of new technology and for starting families later than previous generations (with several factors at play). Pew Research Center has previously said that Gen Z, which followed millennials, was the most racially and ethnically diverse generation.

Not even a week has passed since the start of the new year and the beginning of the Gen Beta population, so it’ll take some time to learn more about the various characteristics of this latest cohort. In the meantime, read on for information about what is currently known, and what some researchers are predicting for the future.

What is known about Gen Beta?

Gen Beta is thought to include individuals born between 2025 and 2039, according to McCrindle, a research organization founded by social analyst and demographer Mark McCrindle — who is widely credited with coining the name for Gen Alpha.

In a post on its website, the organization estimated that Gen Beta will make up 16% of the global population by 2035. Gen Beta “will live in an era where AI [artificial intelligence] and automation are fully embedded in everyday life—from education and workplaces to healthcare and entertainment,” the post said.

“This generation will be raised by Millennial and older Gen Z parents, many of whom prioritise adaptability, equality, and eco-consciousness in their parenting,” it added. “This will result in Generation Beta being more globally minded, community-focused, and collaborative than ever before. Their upbringing will emphasise the importance of innovation not just for convenience, but for solving the pressing challenges of their time.”

Jason Dorsey, an author and generational researcher, told NBC News in an article published last week that he believes Gen Beta will deal with concerns of climate change in a significant way as they get older.

“We will likely have Gen Z as elected officials when Gen Beta is old enough to vote,” he said. “Climate change will continue to be a really big deal for them.”

How are generational years determined?

There is no one organization or group in charge of defining the time span of a generation or creating a generational label.

Pew Research Center has described ways it’s previously determined birth year ranges for generations.

For example, in 2019 the think tank said it determined 1996 was an appropriate cutoff year for millennials due to several factors, such as world events and politics. The youngest millennials were still old enough to comprehend the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, while “most members of Gen Z have little or no memory of the event,” Pew Research Center said.

It added that its birth year range for millennials was influenced by the fact that the cohort came of age at the height of the Great Recession, which significantly shaped their futures.

While analyzing age groups and generations can be useful (even if it’s sometimes the reason for generational social media wars), it’s important to consider the diverse perspectives and experiences found within each generation.

In 2023, Pew Research Center announced that it would no longer use “standard generational labels when they’re not appropriate,” as doing so could potentially reinforce “harmful stereotypes or oversimplifying people’s complex lived experiences.”

“We’ll only talk about generations when it adds value, advances important national debates and highlights meaningful societal trends,” the think tank said.

Cheers to the oldest Gen Beta babies as they approach their 1-week-old milestone.