Generation Beta faces AI-integrated education by 2030

Generation Beta, defined by demographer Mark McCrindle as those born between 2025 and 2039, is expected to enter schools by 2030 in a world deeply integrated with artificial intelligence. Unlike previous generations, Beta will grow up with AI as a fundamental tool, similar to how previous generations viewed electricity or the internet.

There are ongoing discussions regarding the relevance of higher education for this cohort. While data from the United States shows a decline in job postings explicitly requiring a degree—dropping from 51% to 44% over seven years—Harvard researchers noted that actual hiring practices have changed far less significantly. This suggests that while degrees may be losing exclusivity, they remain relevant.

Additionally, demographic trends suggest shifts in life expectancy and stability. In Brazil, IBGE data indicates a life expectancy of approximately 76.8 years, countering some projections of much longer lifespans. The transition for this generation will require educators to teach critical skills, such as distinguishing information from propaganda, in an increasingly automated environment.