Girlsober: Navigating Commitment in the Era of MGTOW, the Red Pill Movement, and AI
Thursday, July 25, 2024.
In 2024, commitment among young professionals has become a complex issue influenced by various factors, including emerging movements like Men Going Their Own Way (MGTOW) and the Red Pill community.
These ideologies, emphasizing male independence and skepticism toward traditional relationships, have contributed to a broader hesitancy to commit.
This shift has profound implications, particularly regarding declining birth rates and the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in shaping these trends.
Understanding MGTOW and the Red Pill Movement
Men Going Their Own Way (MGTOW): MGTOW advocates for men to prioritize their own lives and goals over traditional romantic relationships. By avoiding marriage and cohabitation, men can focus on personal freedom and financial stability. This movement views societal expectations around relationships as potentially harmful to men's well-being.
The Red Pill Movement: The Red Pill movement seeks to "awaken" men to perceived imbalances in gender dynamics. Followers believe that modern society disproportionately favors women, urging men to adopt a strategic approach to relationships focused on self-improvement and personal success. This ideology promotes skepticism toward commitment, emphasizing the potential risks involved.
Critiques Against Women: Specifics from MGTOW and the Red Pill
The MGTOW and Red Pill movements share several critiques against women and modern societal expectations regarding relationships. These critiques can be broadly categorized into views on female behavior, legal and societal structures, and the dynamics of modern relationships.
1. Female Hypergamy: One of the central tenets in these movements is the belief in female hypergamy—the idea that women will always seek to "trade up" in relationships, looking for partners with higher status, wealth, or social standing.
This belief fuels the perception that women are inherently opportunistic in relationships, which leads men to view commitment as a risky endeavor.
2. Legal Disadvantages: Another significant critique is the legal landscape surrounding marriage and divorce. MGTOW and Red Pill adherents argue that the legal system is biased against men, particularly in divorce and custody cases.
They claim that men often face unfavorable outcomes in alimony, child support, and custody battles, which discourages them from entering into marriage or long-term relationships.
3. Feminism and Societal Expectations: The influence of feminism is also a point of contention. These movements argue that feminism has shifted societal norms to disadvantage men.
They believe that women are encouraged to prioritize careers over family and that traditional gender roles have been devalued.
This shift is seen as creating unrealistic expectations for men in relationships, where they must balance traditional provider roles with modern egalitarian expectations.
4. Perceived Entitlement: MGTOW and Red Pill proponents often critique what they see as a sense of entitlement among women. They argue that modern women expect men to meet high standards without offering equivalent value in return.
This perception contributes to the belief that relationships are imbalanced and unfairly demanding on men.
The Hesitancy to Commit
Economic and Career Considerations: Economic stability and career ambitions significantly influence young professionals' attitudes toward commitment.
High student loan debt, housing costs, and job market unpredictability make long-term relationships and family planning less attractive. Additionally, the competitive job market drives many to prioritize career advancement over personal relationships, seeking flexibility and mobility incompatible with traditional commitments.
Implications for Declining Birth Rates
The reluctance to commit has direct implications for birth rates, which have been steadily declining. This trend poses significant challenges for societal and economic structures.
Declining Birth Rates: The birth rate in the U.S. has been on a downward trajectory for several years.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the total fertility rate in 2020 was 1.64 births per woman, well below the replacement level of 2.1. This decline continues into 2024, exacerbated by changing attitudes toward relationships and family life.
Societal and Economic Impacts: A declining birth rate has far-reaching consequences. Fewer births lead to an aging population, increasing the burden on social security systems and healthcare. A smaller working-age population can result in labor shortages and decreased economic growth. Additionally, the decline in family formations affects community structures and support systems, potentially leading to increased social isolation and mental health issues.
AI and the Declining Birth Rate
The declining birth rate in the United States has reached historic lows, with significant implications for the country's demographic and economic future. The general fertility rate decreased by 3% from 2022, continuing a trend of decline that has been ongoing since 2007. In 2023, there were 3,591,328 births, marking a 2% drop from the previous year (CDC) (NBER).
Several factors contribute to this trend. The fertility rate for women aged 20-39 has declined, with the birth rate for women aged 20-24 hitting a record low. The birth rate for teenagers aged 15-19 also decreased by 3% in 2023 (CDC). These declines are part of a broader trend affecting high-income countries, where birth rates have been falling for decades (NBER).
The economic and social implications of this decline are profound. An aging population means a higher old-age dependency ratio, which poses fiscal challenges as a smaller share of the population will be of working age. This trend could lead to slower economic growth unless counteracted by increases in labor force participation and productivity (The White House).
Efforts to mitigate these effects include policies to support labor force participation, such as affordable childcare and eldercare, which can help more people, particularly women, stay in the workforce (The White House). Addressing these issues is crucial for sustaining economic stability and growth in the face of a declining birth rate.
Role of AI in Shaping Trends: Artificial intelligence (AI) plays a significant role in influencing young professionals' attitudes toward commitment and family planning. AI-driven technologies and automation impact job markets, making some professions obsolete while creating new opportunities.
This technological disruption contributes to economic instability, influencing decisions around relationships and family life.
AI and Personal Relationships: AI also affects personal relationships. Dating apps and social media platforms, powered by AI algorithms, shape how people meet and interact. While these technologies can facilitate connections, they also promote a culture of disposability and instant gratification, undermining long-term commitment.
Moreover, the rise of AI companions and virtual relationships offers alternatives to traditional romantic relationships, further contributing to the hesitancy to commit.
Impact on Birth Rates: The integration of AI in various aspects of life can indirectly affect birth rates. For instance, AI-driven career advancements might encourage folks to prioritize professional growth over family planning.
Additionally, AI's role in healthcare, such as fertility treatments and reproductive technologies, may influence birth rates, but these effects are complex and multifaceted.
Weddings and Household Formations
Trends in Marriage and Cohabitation: The impact of changing attitudes is evident in trends around weddings and household formations. Marriage rates are declining, and the age at first marriage is rising. Many young professionals choose cohabitation over marriage, reflecting a shift toward non-traditional household formations.
Research Findings: Research by the National Center for Family & Marriage Research shows that the marriage rate in the U.S. has hit historic lows. Additionally, the U.S. Census Bureau reports that the median age at first marriage has increased significantly, allowing individuals to focus on personal and professional development before committing to a partner.
Final thoughts
The MGTOW and Red Pill movements, coupled with economic and career considerations, significantly influence the hesitancy to commit among young professionals in 2024.
These cultural trends may have profound implications for declining birth rates, societal structures, and economic stability over time.
Moreover, the role of AI in shaping job markets and personal relationships adds another layer of complexity to these issues.
As traditional relationships and family structures evolve, understanding these trends is crucial for navigating the modern landscape of commitment and its broader societal impacts. What might the future look like if these trends accelerate?
Be Well, Stay KInd, and Godspeed.
RESEARCH:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Births: Final Data for 2019. National Vital Statistics Reports, 70(2). Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nvsr/nvsr70/nvsr70-02-508.pdf
Pew Research Center. (2019). As Millennials Near 40, They’re Approaching Family Life Differently Than Previous Generations. Retrieved from https://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2019/05/22/as-millennials-near-40-theyre-approaching-family-life-differently-than-previous-generations/
U.S. Census Bureau. (2021). Historical Marital Status Tables. Retrieved from https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/families/marital.html
Wilcox, W. B., & Marquardt, E. (Eds.). (2011). The State of Our Unions 2011: Marriage in America. The National Marriage Project and The Institute for American Values. Retrieved from http://stateofourunions.org/2011/SOOU2011.pdf
For research on AI’s impact on personal relationships and societal trends, you might consult the following:
Katz, V. S., & Gonzalez, C. (2016). Community Perceptions of Virtual Relationship Risks: A Case Study of Popular Mobile Dating Apps. International Journal of Communication, 10, 3434-3453. Retrieved from https://ijoc.org/index.php/ijoc/article/view/4692
Shah, H. (2020). Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Humans. Pew Research Center. Retrieved from https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2020/12/10/artificial-intelligence-and-the-future-of-humans/
