I always wanted grandchildren. AI and an uncertain future have complicated that dream.
A mother reflects on how the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence has deepened her anxiety about the future she is leaving for her children. She expresses a sense of resignation regarding the prospect of her children remaining childless in an uncertain world.
Why it matters
The piece highlights the psychological impact of rapid technological change on generational outlooks and family planning.
The author didn't think she'd continue worrying about her kids after almost 40 years of parenting. Then came AI. Courtesy of the author I've spent nearly 40 years worrying about the safety of my two children. My kids are grown, but AI has given me a new reason to worry about them. I feel guilty about the uncertain world my generation is leaving behind. When I thought about all the things that I, as a mother, should warn my children against, protect them from, perhaps even apologize for, Artificial Intelligence was not among them. I am a Generation Jones mother with two millennial children in their 30s, and the end of the world is nigh. I am really, really, very sorry but I have become OK with my children remaining childless. Having another generation to worry about seems overwhelming.
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