UNAIR NEWS – Social media influencers Gita Savitri and Paul Partohap became the talk of the internet after exposing their choice of childfree. Dr. Nur Ainy Fardana N MSi Psikolog, lecturer at the Faculty of Psychology (FPsi) Universitas Airlangga defined the ‘childfree’ term as a voluntary choice to not have children.

“We can’t judge anyone’s choice as the right to have or not have kids is personal. The most important thing is to not get carried away and raise our awareness,” Neny said.

Multiple reasons

There are several reasons people choose to be childfree. First, they want to pursue their careers, hobbies, and goals. Second, they have health problems. Third, they experienced trauma.

Fourth, the fear of bearing huge responsibility and commitment of having children, including the cost of raising the child, protection from violence, and many more. Fifth, they feel that parents’ roles don’t suit them or they simply are not interested to have children.

Rising impact

Neny continued choosing childfree may offer positive impacts. First, it prevents any physical and mental health problems. Second, it allows people to choose their lifestyles flexibly.

On the other hand, it possesses negative impacts as well. First, they may feel lonely and isolated due to not having people to show affection, especially when the partners can’t fulfill their emotional needs. Second, the absence of social and financial support during their old age. Third, no one will continue the genetic inheritance or receive an inheritance when they die.

Critical thinking is a must

Neny advised the community to maintain critical thinking before they decide on the matter. Once they decide to be child-free, they must be ready for the consequences. They must be ready to face family and social pressure, who deem childfree as an unconventional option.

“People must think about the positive and negative consequences of childfree very carefully,” she said.

Author: Tristania Faisa Adam

Editor: Binti Q. Masruroh