AI and Family Planning: A Cautionary Tale

In a trending Reddit post, a woman shared her husband’s sudden decision to abandon their aspirations of starting a family. He argues that AI will lead to widespread job loss, leaving future generations facing despair and unemployment.

The 30-year-old recounted that her 45-year-old husband, who works in finance, referenced reports from Goldman Sachs and unnamed experts to support his grim outlook. She quoted him stating, “He now believes that having children is futile because future adults will struggle to find employment due to AI.” She added, “Statistically, it’s improbable that our child would be one of the fortunate few in a desperate world.”

Experts caution against such reasoning.

“AI will undoubtedly disrupt many jobs, but the notion that it will eradicate all meaningful employment lacks supporting evidence,” remarked Swapnil Kommawar, a trader and wealth advisor. “History has shown no instance where a technological advance has completely eliminated work opportunities. Instead, new job types continue to arise.”

Significant reports from McKinsey, the World Economic Forum, and Goldman Sachs indicate substantial changes are coming but do not predict a total collapse. Certain positions will indeed face displacement, but new opportunities will emerge, particularly in creative fields, interpersonal relationships, and the ability to adapt.

No credible projections lend support to the concept of a world without jobs. “Societies evolve, policies change, and economies adjust to reintegrate workers,” Kommawar noted.

The woman later updated her post, suggesting that her husband’s pessimistic views might be more a reflection of burnout and insecurity than unwavering belief. “His comments stemmed from a place of fear; he worries about his capabilities,” she wrote.

Nevertheless, this event resonated deeply, indicating how anxiety about AI is influencing family decisions and altering personal life choices profoundly.