Generational Divides: Exploring Generation Beta and Zillennials

NEW YORK, NY — A new generational cohort, known as Generation Beta, is emerging, with children born starting this year. Defined by an embedded presence of artificial intelligence in daily life, Beta follows Generation Alpha, which encompasses those born from 2010 to 2024. Mark McCrindle, a social researcher and futurist, predicts that by 2035, Generation Beta will represent 16 percent of the global population.

McCrindle, who coined the term Generation Alpha, notes that generations are increasingly named after letters of the Greek alphabet to signify technological change. He stated, “This generation will be raised by millennial and older parents, many of whom prioritize adaptability, equality, and eco-consciousness in their parenting.”

As Generation Beta begins, it faces daunting societal challenges, including climate change and rapid urbanization. “Sustainability will not just be a preference but an expectation,” McCrindle added.

Generation Z, born between 1997 and 2012, is currently coming of age, having grown up in an era dominated by digital technology. Known as “digital natives,” many members are the offspring of Baby Boomers (born 1946 to 1964) or Generation X (born 1965 to 1980). Many of them find themselves navigating a new reality where mental and physical health are widely discussed.

Research has shown that Gen Z has lower rates of teen pregnancy and alcohol consumption compared to earlier generations. However, the group also faces economic hurdles, as rising property prices make homeownership increasingly difficult. The constant demands of maintaining an online presence may contribute to mental health issues, including anxiety and depression.

Generation Alpha is defined as those born from 2013 to 2024. They are likely to experience the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic significantly shaping their developmental environment. This cohort may also confront the ramifications of increased screen time and rising obesity rates.

Millennials, born from 1981 to 1996, have navigated substantial social and economic changes, with many believing they have fewer financial opportunities than previous generations. Reports indicate that millennials are generally worse off compared to their parents — an unusual trend in generational history. Many younger millennials recall an abrupt increase in university tuition fees in the UK to £9,000, implemented in 2012.

This generation has shown a tendency to maintain liberal political views, breaking the trend of aging into more conservative beliefs seen in past generations.

In the discussion of generations, the term “zillennials” has emerged to describe those born in the mid-to-late 1990s, straddling the line between millennials and Gen Z. While not officially classified, this sub-demographic includes famous figures like Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya.

Juliana Olarte, a self-identified zillennial, remarked, “My sister sees me as a young millennial, and millennials see me as Gen Z. When I first heard the term zillennial in college, I was like, ‘That’s me.’”

As Generation Beta and its predecessors navigate an increasingly complex world, understanding these generational distinctions becomes vital in discussing societal trends and individual experiences.