Two days ago, I noticed my daughter using her laptop while it rested on her lap. Concerned, I asked her to place it on the table and sit properly. She gave me a puzzled look but complied. I explained that using a laptop directly on the lap can be harmful, especially to the reproductive system. Even though she uses it for short periods, I’ve come across several studies highlighting potential risks.
However, a second thought struck me: why was I so concerned about her fertility? In today’s world, where the future seems uncertain, does it even matter? What kind of environment are we offering the next generation? Polluted air and water, conflicts, strained relationships, and a society that’s increasingly challenging to navigate. It’s not that the younger generation is inherently flawed; rather, the societal structures, from schools to communities, are not conducive to nurturing well-rounded individuals.
Looking back, previous generations experienced a life filled with genuine emotions, joy, sorrow, love, and a clear sense of purpose. They married, had children, and lived in harmony with nature. Today, however, we’ve reached a point where many question the very idea of marriage and parenthood. Some choose to marry for personal reasons, but many unions dissolve quickly. Raising children has become an expensive endeavor, leading many to opt out entirely.
In countries like South Korea and Russia, there’s a noticeable trend of individuals, especially women, choosing not to have children. In South Korea, the birth rate has plummeted to 0.72, the lowest globally. Many women cite reasons such as financial burdens, career aspirations, and a desire for personal freedom. Similarly, in Russia, the government has even banned “child-free” propaganda in an attempt to boost declining birth rates.
It’s easy to label this as a generational issue, attributing it to Gen Z or the tech-savvy youth. But the reality is that human perspectives have evolved due to numerous external factors. Whether it’s Gen Z or millennials, the shift in mindset is evident.
Fertility challenges are becoming increasingly common. Both men and women face a myriad of reproductive health issues. Conditions like PCOD, hormonal imbalances, and infertility are on the rise. For instance, a study highlighted that using laptops on the lap can increase scrotal temperature in men, potentially affecting sperm quality. The surge in fertility clinics across cities isn’t just a business trend; it’s a response to growing reproductive health concerns. The global fertility services market is projected to grow significantly, reaching approximately USD 85.53 billion by 2034.
The relentless pursuit of success and the pressures of modern life have stripped away the simple joys of living. While some mock my concerns about technology, the truth is that our unnatural lifestyles contribute to the traumas we face. We’ve transitioned from Orkut to WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, and now crave the next big thing. Tech giants predict that mobile phones will soon be obsolete, replaced by even more advanced devices.
I still don’t wear spectacles, but unfortunately, both my children started using them at a young age. In our time, outdoor play was the norm. Television was a luxury, and later, mobile phones became ubiquitous. Today, smart TVs connected to the internet have replaced traditional ones, essentially becoming oversized mobile devices. This shift has eroded the natural rhythm of human life. The new generation seems almost alien to us, their behaviors unpredictable, much like the fluctuating economy.
In contrast, animals and other living beings live harmoniously, guided by nature. Their lives are simple and undisturbed unless we interfere. They haven’t deviated from their natural paths.
It’s disheartening, yet perhaps it’s a relief that many are choosing not to have children. At least this way, fewer “plastic” children, products of an artificial world, will populate the Earth.