"This statistic can be interpreted in different ways. A stat such as this is cause for alarm if you're a pro-natalist. These are folks who advocate for higher birth rates because they have concerns about "population collapse" (Mosley, 2025). They have zero concerns about overpopulation, holding firmly to the notion that eight billion plus humans are not enough, and to the ethnonationalist idea that "a strong nation" is a populous one. Couplehood and more children are crucial, from the pro-natalist perspective."
"Others would view rising singlehood as an indicator of self-reliance and increased capacity to consciously and intentionally choose whether or not to partner or to reproduce. For instance, with increased employment opportunities, women have greater economic independence and can decide to live alone with less shaming and blaming than in the past. Both men and women can decide if they will partner with someone, and why, not based on traditional scripts handed down by family and society,"
Singlehood has risen markedly in wealthy countries, with the share of people living without a partner doubling over the past fifty years to half of men and 41% of women. Some view this as alarming for pro-natalists who fear population decline and link fertility to national strength. Others view rising singlehood as increased self-reliance and autonomous choice, aided by women’s economic independence. Dating apps, pervasive social media imagery, and emerging AI "partners" may be affecting coupling patterns. Helping professionals should prepare for significant shifts in desires, demands, and services as AI reshapes relationship expectations.
Read at Psychology Today
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