"Don't want kids" is a measurement error, not a preference, argues AI-circle KOL

l4rz · x · 2026-10-21

l4rz argues that observed "don't want kids" sentiment is a measurement error rather than a genuine preference.

His reasoning: outside observers only see the hassle of parenting — attention costs, care burden, negative ROI — while the joy term doesn't radiate outward, so observers integrate the utility to zero and fall back on fear-of-regret, a motivation "designed to fail."

The take sparked discussion on fertility preferences and measurement, framing the issue like a hidden-variable problem in economics.

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