How much responsibility does AI bear for divorce

The world is now facing an unprecedented transformation. Technology, urbanisation, climate change, economic inequality and socio-cultural shifts are altering human lifestyles faster than at any other time in history. This is having a direct impact on our closest social institutions—family and marriage. In Europe and North America, birth rates are falling and the number of marriages is declining. In contrast, in societies such as South Asia, family bonds still exist, but they too are rapidly weakening.

In Sweden and other Scandinavian countries, marriage is no longer a compulsory social institution as before. As long as love exists, relationships continue; if not, the option of separation is open. Legal structures, economic self-reliance and social acceptance have all made this decision easier. The result has been an increase in cohabitation without marriage, falling birth rates and a loosening of family structures. Yet there are also positive sides—individual freedom, preservation of self-respect, and release from the obligation of maintaining forced relationships.

Bangladesh has long viewed marriage as an essential institution centred around family ties, social relations and religious values. However, recent statistics indicate that this structure is changing rapidly. In Dhaka City Corporation alone, almost one divorce case is filed every hour. Divorce initiated by women is twice that of men. In the last seven years, divorce applications in the country have increased by about 34 per cent.

This makes it clear that modern economic realities, women’s employment, the influence of social media, domestic violence and mental health issues are all contributing to the rising rate of family breakdown in Bangladesh as well.

Why this crisis worldwide
1. Economic pressure: The cost of living is rising globally. Job insecurity, inequality and inflation are having a negative impact on relationships.

2. Modern communication systems: Social media is creating new relationships, but also causing misunderstandings and distrust.

3. Mental health crisis: Anxiety, depression and stress are now global problems. Lack of understanding within families and mental strain are pushing relationships towards collapse.

4. Changing values: Individualism has grown in the West, and though slower, the same trend is advancing in the East. As a result, individual freedom is gaining precedence over family authority.

5. Impact of childhood experiences: Generations growing up in broken families struggle later in life to build lasting relationships.

Today’s global political crises, wars and economic inequalities are having profound effects on relationships and birth rates. In war-torn areas such as Syria, Ukraine, Gaza and many regions of Africa, child mortality is rising due to malnutrition, disease and violence. Western youth, witnessing such realities, are alarmed—how can they knowingly bring new life into a world where the future is filled with uncertainty at every step?

When politics turns into a battlefield of corruption and war, people lose interest in giving birth and building families. This dilemma is spreading rapidly among the younger generations of the West. I believe its effects will not be confined to Europe or America; soon it will spread to the societies of Asia, Africa and South America as well. Because with AI technology, the flow of information is now so fast that this sense of fear is spreading equally across the globe.

We have now entered the age of artificial intelligence, which is influencing not just the economy or industry, but also the world of relationships.

• Digital detachment: Couples are spending time on mobile screens, not with each other.

• Virtual relationships: AI chatbots, virtual companions and online communities are drawing many away from real relationships.

• Changes in work: AI is transforming the nature of jobs, leaving many unemployed or in fear of an uncertain future, creating mental stress.

• Cultural impact: For the younger generation growing up with technology, relationships often mean quick connections and quick break-ups.

What should be done now
1. Mental health awareness: Counselling and therapy must be made accessible worldwide to help sustain marriage and relationships.

2. Economic security: Reducing unemployment and income inequality could help lower family breakdown rates.

3. Family education: Schools and universities should teach relationship management, empathy and communication skills.

4. Proper use of technology: AI and social media should be used to support relationships—for example, online counselling and family-centred digital platforms.

5. Social solidarity: Families and communities should be brought together to create a supportive environment.

Divorce or family breakdown is not just Bangladesh’s problem; it is a global reality. In the West, it is seen as an expression of individual freedom, while in South Asia it is viewed as a social crisis. Yet in both cases the root causes are almost the same—economic pressure, mental health issues, lack of communication and changing social values.

The age of AI has also brought new opportunities—if we can use it as a supportive force for human relationships. Otherwise, it will only isolate us further.

Therefore, the time has come to strike a balance between family values, individual freedom and technological advancement, so that future generations can grow up in a stable, happy and humane society.

Rahman Mridha: Researcher and former Director, Pfizer, Sweden