I don’t think all of this is the result of some massive propaganda machine. It’s more like a combination of many factors that come together and shape the realities of modern life. In the mid 1900s, a single income could support an entire family; now even households with two working parents struggle to get by. To advance in their careers and earn better salaries, people invest more time in education and work. This naturally pushes the “ideal age” for starting a family further and further. Climate anxiety is also a real fear. When people in places like Tuvalu are watching their countries literally disappear from the map, I don’t think having children feels like an exciting prospect to them. And the individualism that came with the 21st century is not necessarily a bad thing, it simply changed how we live. People socialize online, travel the world and fill their time with hobbies. In the last 30 years, individualism has opened up so many new life paths and that’s one of the reasons many people move away from the traditional nuclear family model. Yes, these are real issues, but calling people “brainwashed” for not wanting kids (or wanting them) is condescending and not a solution. If you’re an employer, for example, you can support your workers by offering parental leave and benefits. In your own community, you can contribute to creating safe environments where children can grow up well. And most importantly, instead of assuming that people’s choices are the result of a massive manipulation, you can actually listen and understand their real concerns about having children. And that way, you actually learn what the real issue is, which is essential if you want to find meaningful solutions.