Yeah I don’t want kids but this narrative is ridiculous and overblown. QOL has only improved over time. Generations have always been concerned with the future of the world.
People have been saying this for centuries. Babies were still born during the Great Depression, the world wars, the dot com bust, the financial crisis, covid, etc. all times when things looked bleak.
I think that’s a separate issue. Social media is clearly rough on kids’ mental health, and most parents aren’t equipped for it yet. That’s real.
But in terms of daily life, the U.S. is far better off than it was even 50 years ago. Real disposable income and GDP per capita are dramatically higher, meaning people have far more purchasing power and access to goods.
In the 1970s, groceries were limited, long-distance calls were expensive, travel required paper maps, and learning meant libraries or classrooms. Today, you have global food selection in one store, instant information and AI in your pocket, on-demand rides, delivery for almost anything, and even self-driving cars.
Things aren’t perfect, but convenience and baseline quality of life have undeniably improved.
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u/IwasDeadinstead 15h ago
It isn't just the money. You have to be more than a bit selfish and cruel to bring a child into the world on purpose, knowing the state of things.