KATHMANDU – The dawn of Generation Beta is upon us, with the first children born after January 1, 2025, heralding a future where artificial intelligence (AI) seamlessly integrates with daily life. This cohort, consisting of individuals born until 2039, will be the first to grow up wholly immersed in technology from the moment they enter the world.
According to researcher Mark McCrindle, "While Generation Alpha has experienced the rise of smart technology and artificial intelligence, Generation Beta will live in an era where AI and automation are fully embedded..." This generation will face unique challenges and opportunities, irrevocably shaped by AI, making it imperative to understand their future roles and impacts.
For Generation Beta, education will look radically different from what previous cohorts experienced. Traditional classrooms filled with desks will gradually give way to immersive virtual learning environments. It’s easy to picture children attending lessons inside virtual simulations of historical events or scientific explorations, fully engaged and motivated by interactive experiences as opposed to dull textbooks.
But the integration of AI extends beyond education. Financial experts voice significant concerns about how the changing economic structure will affect this generation. A Prudential Financial research study indicates 86% of parents believe their children will have careers not yet imagined, thanks to the rapid evolution of technology. While many children currently dream of traditional professions like doctors or engineers, they may instead pursue roles such as virtual architect or space miner, reflecting the shifting career paradigms.
"We have the power to make this the best generation of mankind or make it the last," John F. Kennedy once described the responsibility and potential each generation carries. This thought echoes with the urgency of addressing the digital age’s impacts on upcoming youth.
Unfortunately, as Generation Beta integrates with AI, they also face new vulnerabilities. Concerns surrounding cybersecurity and digital safety have increased dramatically. Ashok Khadka, observing his seven-year-old nephew, shared, “He frequently uses ChatGPT for homework... This incident made me realise how skilled kids are becoming with AI and how they need guidance.” Khadka's reflections highlight the need for adults to provide oversight as children navigate the digital terrain.
Anil Raghubansi, founder of ChildSafeNet, adds, “The answer of whether Generation Beta will be empowered by AI’s potential or harmed by its risks depends on how we prepare them today for tomorrow's challenges.” ChildSafeNet's 2024 study revealed alarming statistics: 58% of respondents identified potential negative impacts on children’s creativity and mental health as prominent risks stemming from unregulated AI usage.
With the rising cybercrime rates indicating 635 cases of cyber violence reported last year, it becomes increasingly apparent just how unprepared societies are to protect the young from digital threats. Dr. Lina Gurung, from Kathmandu University, emphasized the glaring necessity for regulatory frameworks reflecting today's AI realities. “Nepal’s education system is woefully unprepared for the digital age,” she asserts.
Yet, the future for Generation Beta could be incredibly bright, provided society strides forward with diligence and foresight. Mark McCrindle envisions them as “AI Vanguards,” capable of leveraging technology to pioneer solutions to pressing global issues, from climate change to socioeconomic disparities.
"Imagine cities redesigned from first principles by blended human-AI architecture to maximize sustainability, mobility, and social equity,” McCrindle elaborates, expressing not just hope but confidence in this generation's potential.
Even the financial industry is awakening to the realities of Generation Beta's future. Prudential Financial notes how new parents must adopt long-term planning mindsets for their children's futures, focusing on adaptable investment frameworks. This foresight could substantially alter how families engage with finances throughout their children's lives.
There's no denying the undeniable impact AI will have on Generation Beta, leading many to question what the next two decades hold. Will they lead the charge toward unparalleled innovation or inadvertently reinforce existing pitfalls? Marking the crossing of these paths becomes our collective duty to shepherd this generation responsibly.
Whatever the answer, let us hope Generation Beta proves to be the heroes of our time, embracing the tools at their disposal judiciously. The integration of AI provides both unprecedented opportunities and challenges. Their ability to navigate this duality will determine not only the success of their generation but the legacy they leave behind for those to come.