[K-Women Talk] Why We Need More Children Even as Robots Increase

원본보기 아이콘

A while ago, while flipping through TV channels, I happened to come across a variety show titled, "Why Do We Need Humans in an Era Where Artificial Intelligence (AI) Is Smarter Than Humans?" A renowned neuroscientist specializing in AI appeared on the program and said that in a world where AI outperforms humans in every field, the reason for human existence lies in the fact that "only humans can feel." If there are no humans to feel, then AI cannot create those feelings. It was an interesting and insightful opinion. In the future, as AI is applied extensively across all industries and physical AI advances further, most manufacturing processes will be handled by AI. Robots are already being widely utilized in the service sector. Productivity will continue to increase, and the problem of a shrinking working-age population in an era of ultra-low birth rates and super-aging society could be alleviated to some extent.

But can AI development truly solve our demographic problems? I don't think so. Some argue that with AI development addressing labor shortages, there is no longer a need to worry about birth rates in Korea's ultra-low birth era. However, I believe that Korea's ultra-low birth rate issue cannot be resolved merely with the help of AI, and without an increase in birth rates, the problem will persist. AI is fundamentally designed to enrich human lives. The purpose is human happiness, and AI is just a means to that end. Only humans can feel, and only humans are capable of genuine empathy. The emotion of happiness is also unique to humans. Moreover, as social beings, humans create families and form societies. The organization and maintenance of systems like family, society, and nation are only possible through humans' ability to reproduce.

Additionally, individuals and families are the main agents of consumption. For a capitalist market to be sustained, not only are workers necessary, but so are consumers. In today's globalized competition, the role of consumers is even greater. Ultimately, the primary significance of AI lies in enhancing efficiency and reducing human working hours. People are the ones who enjoy these benefits, and with more leisure time, consumption increases. When this happens, the national economy is maintained, and as its scale grows, so does economic growth.

Korea's total fertility rate is overwhelmingly the lowest among Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries. However, by the end of 2025, the total fertility rate is projected to rise for the second consecutive year since 2023, reaching 0.8, and in January of this year alone, the number of newborns was about 24,000, an 11.6% increase compared to the same month last year. This sparks hope for a rebound in the birth rate. Of course, some claim that the recent rebound is a temporary phenomenon caused by the population increase of the "Echo Generation," the children of the baby boomers. However, I believe that the recent increase in birth rates has also been greatly influenced by a shift in attitudes that place greater importance on marriage and childbirth. According to the National Population and Health Welfare Association's National Population Behavior Survey released in February, the intention to marry has risen for two consecutive years, with 60.8% of men and 47.6% of women expressing such intentions. Intentions to have children have also increased across all categories-whether single, married, male, or female. Marriage and childbirth are deeply personal decisions, but ultimately, they are inevitably influenced by the broader social mindset. The current rise in total fertility rate is no exception.

Now, we live in a world where AI allows us to work and rest more comfortably. Time spent with family has also increased. I hope that more people will be able to enjoy a convenient world created by AI and have the opportunity to live a more leisurely life with their families.

Kim Kyung-sun, President of the National Population and Health Welfare Association and former Vice Minister of Gender Equality and Family

© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.