Every generation is shaped by events and technology transforming our lives and work. This is why each generation has a different way of seeing the world and responds accordingly. (This is also why each generation's length varies).
We declare Generation B. We can’t predict the events that will happen. However, it is our assessment that Gen B will grow up on the Bitcoin Standard, hence the name.
Here are the key events and technologies that have shaped previous generations since the start of the twentieth century, as well as three representative iconic companies for each. We then foolishly predict the technologies and companies that will shape Gen B.
1. The Greatest Generation (1901-1927)
Characteristics
Known for their resilience, they lived through the Great Depression and fought in World War II.
Key Events
The Great Depression, World War II.
Key Technologies
- Radio: Revolutionized communication and entertainment.
- Automobiles: Mass production by Ford made cars accessible.
- Aviation: Development of commercial and military aviation.
Iconic Companies
Ford Motor Company: Revolutionized manufacturing with the assembly line and made automobiles accessible.
General Electric (GE): Pioneered in electrical equipment, appliances, and lighting.
Standard Oil (later ExxonMobil): Dominated the oil industry and set standards for corporate structure.
Notable Figures: Albert Einstein, Amelia Erhart, Babe Ruth, Franklin D Roosevelt, Winston Churchill
2. The Silent Generation (1928-1945)
Characteristics
They valued hard work and conformity and were shaped by the post-WWII boom.
Key Events
The post-WWII economic boom, the Korean War.
Key Technologies
- Television: Became a central medium for news and entertainment.
- Nuclear Technology: Development and use during WWII.
- Penicillin: Revolutionized medicine and treatment of infections.
Iconic Companies
General Motors (GM): Became the largest car manufacturer in the world.
IBM: Emerged as a leader in business machines and early computing.
AT&T (Bell System): Held a monopoly on telephone service in the United States.
Notable Figures: Elvis Presley, Bill Gates, Rosa Parks, Neil Armstrong
3. Baby Boomers (1946-1964)
Characteristics
Known for their economic prosperity, social change activism, and significant cultural influence.
Key Events
Civil Rights Movement, Vietnam War, the Moon Landing.
Key Technologies
- Television Expansion: Became ubiquitous in households.
- Space Exploration: Moon landing and space race.
- Computers: Early mainframe computers started being used in business.
- The Pill: Transformed the relationship between men and women
Iconic Companies
IBM: Continued dominance in computing and business machines.
Coca-Cola: Became a global brand and symbol of American culture.
General Electric (GE): Expanded into various sectors, including aviation, healthcare, and finance.
Notable Figures: John F. Kennedy, Martin Luther King Jr., Bob Dylan, The Beatles
4. Generation X (1965-1980)
Characteristics
Known for their independence, scepticism, and adaptability, they are often described as the "latchkey" generation.
Key Events
Fall of the Berlin Wall, the rise of personal computing.
Key Technologies
- Personal Computers: Introduction of PCs like the Apple II and IBM PC.
- Video Games: Popularity of gaming consoles like Atari.
- Cable Television: Expanded viewing options and content diversity.
- Internet (early stages): ARPANET development, foundation of the internet.
Iconic Companies
Microsoft: Dominated personal computing with Windows and Office software.
Apple: Revolutionised personal technology with the Macintosh computer.
Walmart: Grew into the world’s largest retailer through innovation in supply chain management.
Notable Figures: Bill Clinton, Kurt Cobain, Madonna, The Simpsons
5. Millennials (Generation Y or Zoomers) (1981-1996)
Characteristics
Tech-savvy, they value diversity and work-life balance, known for delaying traditional milestones.
Key Events
9/11 attacks, the Great Recession, and the rise of social media.
Key Technologies
- Internet: Rapid expansion and commercialisation, as well as the creation of the World Wide Web.
- Mobile Phones: From brick-like devices to more portable versions.
- Social media: Rise of platforms like Myspace, Facebook, and Twitter.
- Personal Computers and Laptops: became household essentials.
Iconic Companies
Google: Transformed information access and internet advertising.
Apple: Continued innovation with the iPod, iPhone, and other consumer electronics.
Amazon: Revolutionised e-commerce and logistics, expanding into cloud computing.
Notable Figures: Barack Obama, Taylor Swift, Mark Zuckerberg, Beyoncé
6. Generation Alpha (1997-2012)
Characteristics
Digital natives who value authenticity and social justice. They are highly entrepreneurial.
Key Events
Global financial crisis recovery, climate change awareness, COVID-19 pandemic.
Key Technologies
- Smartphones: Ubiquity and the rise of apps significantly influence communication.
- Social Media Expansion: Platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok.
- Streaming Services: Netflix, Hulu, and others transforming media consumption.
- Cloud Computing: Revolutionizing data storage and access.
Iconic Companies
Facebook (Meta): Dominated social media and expanded into virtual reality.
Amazon: Continued dominance in e-commerce, cloud computing, and AI.
Alphabet (Google): Expanded influence through search, advertising, and AI research.
7. Generation Tech aka Beta (2013-2024)
Characteristics
Growing up in a fully digital world, Gen Tech will likely be highly educated and tech-dependent.
Key Events
Ongoing technological advancements, global connectivity, climate change impact, political instability
Key Technologies
- AI and Machine Learning: Integration into various aspects of life.
- Voice Assistants: Devices like Alexa, Siri, and Google Assistant.
- Smart Home Technology: The Internet of Things (IoT) makes homes smarter.
- Advanced Robotics: This is used in various industries, including healthcare and manufacturing.
Iconic Companies
Apple: Likely to continue leading in consumer electronics and innovation.
Amazon: Expected to maintain dominance in e-commerce, logistics, and cloud services.
Tesla: Leading the way in electric vehicles, renewable energy, and autonomous driving.
8. Generation B - Gen B (2025-2040)
Characteristics
Born and brought up on a Bitcoin standard, they are likely to be financially savvy and confident users of AI, building personal virtual companies.
Key Events
Unknown.
Key Technologies
- Bitcoin: Widespread adoption and influence of Bitcoin. CBDCs were tried but failed.
- Advanced AI: Further integration into daily life, surpassing human-level intelligence in specific tasks. Fusion of Bitcoin and AI as bots embrace Lightning to pay for services, as the traditional financial system cannot cope.
- Augmented Reality (AR): Enhanced experiences in education, entertainment, and work - fusion with AI and Bitcoin.
- Quantum Computing: Breakthroughs in processing power and problem-solving capabilities. Fusion with AI.
Iconic Companies
We predict that several companies, including Alphabet, Apple, Amazon, Microsoft, Alibaba, and Tencent, will continue to dominate their respective industries. Emerging players may include:
Nvidia - Providing the picks and shovels of AI and Bitcoin
SpaceX - Leading private space exploration, aiming to reduce space transportation costs and enable the colonisation of Mars. Off-planet manufacture will become significant.
?? - A company that doesn’t exist today will provide services that are currently unavailable to a market that doesn't yet exist.