The year 2025 marks a new era of demographic and technological changes affecting society. A new Beta generation is emerging, which is being formed in conditions of deep integration of AI, automation, global environmental challenges and new digital technologies. It is believed that the childhood of Beta children will pass in an era where AI will not be a luxury, but a common tool in everyday life.
As of today, the world’s population is divided between several key generations: Baby Boomers, Millennials, Generation Z, and newcomers to the demographic arena, Generation Alpha and Generation Beta. All of them have their own unique characteristics, but it is the millennials (born between 1981 and 1996), who are now reaching their peak working age, who are gaining a key role in shaping the future. Their potential in the use of technology opens up unprecedented opportunities, because this generation is the bridge between traditional approaches to work and the digital age.
Against this background, baby boomers, who in 2023 owned more than half of the net wealth of the United States, are gradually transferring their resources to younger generations, which affects economic dynamics and lifestyles. Generation Z, known for their adaptability to new technologies, are gradually becoming leaders in the field of creative industries and environmental initiatives, while Generation Alpha (2010-2024) is already familiar with the basic concepts of programming in schools and kindergartens.
Forecasts also show that Generation Beta, whose formation began in 2025, will grow up in conditions of mass automation, climate change and global integration. Their future is still uncertain, but one thing is certain: each generation creates its own challenges and opportunities, and right now we are building the foundation for the future.
What is the theory of generations for?
It is based on the idea that each generation has a unique set of characteristics, values and behavior patterns, formed under the influence of cultural, social, economic and technological changes. This concept has become key to understanding society and is used in various industries. In particular, in marketing, because each generation has different consumer priorities. For example, baby boomers value reliability more, while generation Z prefers green and innovative products. Mass media are also adapting to the consumption habits of different generations. For example, Baby Boomers embrace traditional formats (TV, radio), while Millennials and Generation Z crave interactivity and accessibility of content through digital platforms.
Each generation has its own icons and style. For example, Generation X is associated with grunge, while Generation Z is known for its hyper-dynamic fashion and cross-cultural trends. Differences in generational values give rise to such phenomena as “cancel culture” or new forms of activism. Take climate activism as an example. For Generation Z, the issue of climate change is personal, because they feel the reality of these changes in their lives. Young people organize global actions, such as Fridays for Future, initiated by Greta Thunberg. Millennials are joining these movements, but in a more pragmatic way, using their economic weight (for example, choosing environmentally friendly products). At the time, Gen Xers and Baby Boomers were more likely to question activist methods, emphasizing the importance of incremental change and economic feasibility.
Conflicts between generations help to understand how social values change. Sociologists in particular use this theory to predict changes in society, such as how technology will change the job market for Generation Alpha.
Who defines new generations?
Usually, generational frameworks are defined by research institutes and sociologists. For example, the Pew Research Center, McCrindle Research, or Nielsen analyze demographic changes, cultural trends, and global influences. Analytics companies study the relationship between generations with marketing trends, consumer behavior and technology. The media and cultural experts fix the names of generations through the popularization of concepts in public discourse.
The popular 15-year-old generational model, according to which each cohort born in a certain period is characterized by common values, priorities and characteristics, was developed by Australian sociologist Mark McCrindle. He is known for his work in the field of generational analysis, demographic change and social trends. McCrindle’s work is widely used in marketing, media, education and cultural studies.
Infographic: AI “FACT”
Do you recognize yourself?
Silent generation (born before 1946, age 80+)
This cohort, known as builders, grew up in the economic hardships of the Great Depression and survived World War II. Their lives were shaped by modesty, self-discipline and attention to the collective good. They created fundamental social institutions, strong infrastructure and suburbs. Representatives of this generation value stability, traditions and strive to pass on experience to the next generation.
Baby Boomers (1946–1964, age 61–79)
This generation was born during the population explosion after World War II. Boomers have brought about significant cultural, social and economic changes. They were the first who massively aspired to higher education, active social initiatives and career growth. Ambition, conformity and optimism became their key features. This generation influenced the formation of consumer culture, the popularization of the automobile industry and mass construction. In old age, they remain economically influential and actively use financial instruments to accumulate wealth.
Generation X (1965–1979, age 46–60)
Known as the “bridge between generations,” they grew up in an era of economic uncertainty, social change, and technological growth. This generation is known for its independence, skepticism and entrepreneurship. Many of the representatives of this generation became innovators in the technological and business spheres. They are active users of the Internet and have adapted to the rapid changes in the world. A key feature of Generation X is finding a balance between work and personal life.
Millennials (1980–1994, age 31–45)
Also known as Generation Y, millennials grew up in a world increasingly dependent on technology. They are distinguished by technical literacy, social consciousness and individualism. This generation is moving away from traditional goals like home ownership or long-term employment. They have popularized freelancing, the gig economy, and prefer experience over material goods. Millennials are an important driver of innovation, support eco-consciousness and fight for equality in various fields.
Generation Z (1995–2009, age 16–30)
This is the first digital generation, which grew up with smartphones, social networks and constant access to the Internet. Representatives of this generation have high adaptability to rapid changes, deep awareness of global problems and strong social activity. They tend to multitask, but can suffer from addiction to gadgets and information overload. Their lifestyles are closely related to digital technologies, which affects their career priorities, social relationships and the way they consume content.
Generation Alpha (2010-2024, age up to 15 years)
Children of millennials who are growing up in a digital world focused on artificial intelligence and automation. They are born with gadgets in their hands and are exposed to concepts such as virtual reality and augmented reality from an early age. Their upbringing is aimed at developing critical thinking, emotional intelligence and creativity. The Alpha generation will be the driving force of innovation in science, ecology and technology in the future.
Generation Beta (2025–2039, not yet born)
The emerging generation will live in conditions of rapid technological, environmental and social change.
Why will the technological revolution be led by millennials?
It is estimated that by 2030, artificial intelligence could contribute about 20 trillion dollars to the global economy. And it is the millennials who, by many characteristics, are the most prepared to take advantage of the opportunities that the AI revolution opens up. Why did they become the driving force behind this transformation?
Infographic: AI “FACT”
Educational advantage. Millennials are more likely to have higher levels of education than previous generations. For example, 38-43% of this generation have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher compared to 34-43% of Gen Xers and 30-35% of Baby Boomers.
This gives them better opportunities to learn new skills and adapt to the changes that AI is bringing to work processes and industries. Higher education not only opens up access to better opportunities, but also fosters readiness for lifelong learning, a key factor in a world changing under the influence of AI.
A positive attitude towards AI. Millennials show significantly more trust in AI than older generations. According to surveys, 42% of millennials and younger generations trust AI, and 40% have a high degree of acceptance of the technology. For comparison, these rates are 37% and 31% among Generation X, and 33% and 22% among Baby Boomers.
This trust means a greater openness to the use of AI both in the professional sphere and in everyday life, which contributes to the faster introduction of technology into work processes.
Early introduction to technology. Millennials grew up in an era of rapid technological progress, which gave them a unique advantage in interacting with innovation. As children, they witnessed the appearance of the first web browsers. As teenagers, they met the release of the iPhone, which changed the perception of mobile technology. They mastered Amazon Echo at a young age, and tools like ChatGPT at a mature age.
Early access to innovation laid the foundation for their confidence in using modern technology, while children typically adapt to new things faster than adults.
Therefore, millennials have a unique combination of educational, cultural and technological advantages, which makes them the main drivers of the implementation of AI in various fields. Their willingness to learn, trust innovation and integrate new technologies creates a powerful impetus for change in the global economy and society.
