Generation Beta: Because “404: Generation Name Not Found” Was Too Long

2025 is here and let’s give a big welcome to all the little adorable babies that have been born in the last couple of days, as we annoint you… Generation Beta.

So we’re really naming a generation after what tech companies call their buggy, not-quite-ready-for-prime-time software?

As a member of Generation X (aka the suck it up we don’t give a shit about your emotional struggles generation), I have some thoughts about saddling these kids with the name “Beta.”

How about, let’s not.

Why Beta is Bad

In the tech world, “beta” is pretty much code for “this might crash your computer, but hey, you signed up for it!”

In dating circles, “beta” is what keyboard warriors call anyone who can’t bench press a small car.

Even in the animal kingdom, beta fish are infamous for their fighting nature – though honestly, that might actually be appropriate for this generation given the world they’re inheriting and the bullying they should expect after being saddled with this name.

Blame it on the Australians

While McCrindle, the Australian research firm that coined both “Alpha” and “Beta,” argues for a more standardized approach using Greek letters (with Gamma and Delta on deck for 2040 and 2055), I can’t help but think we can do better. After all, Millennials went through several name changes (Generation Y, Echo Boomers, Generation 9/11) before settling on their current title.

Some alternative suggestions for Generation Beta:

1. Generation Quantum (because they’ll probably have to understand quantum computing whether they want to or not)
2. The Resiliants (because they’re going to need to be)
3. Generation AI (because they’ll never know a world without it)
4. The Neo-Renaissance (because they’ll either save us all or unplug us from the Matrix)

…or, if it HAS TO BE a Greek letter how about a back and forth kind of thing. We have Alpha so why not go right to the end of that Greek Alphabet and name them Generation Omega?

Omega portrays completeness and excellence. Omega is strong. Omega could kick Beta’s ass all day long.

Generation by Years

The world has changed dramatically in just the past year, maybe it’s time we gave these newcomers a name that reflects their potential rather than their place in the Greek alphabet. After all, they’re going to inherit a world where AI does their homework and flying cars (here’s to hoping those things will finally show up) – they’ve got enough challenges ahead without being named after software that’s still working out its bugs.

But hey, what do I know? I’m from the generation that thought acid-wash jeans were a good idea.