Summer 2025
Article
New Atlantis: A Journal of Technology & Society

Does Marriage Have a Future?

By: Debora L. Spar and Aryanna Garber

Format:Print
| Pages:14

Abstract

The article explores how technology is reshaping the institution of marriage, highlighting significant changes in societal norms and personal relationships. It discusses the decline in marriage rates in industrialized nations, particularly Japan and the United States, and links these trends to technological advancements such as online dating, reproductive technologies, and artificial intelligence. Historically, marriage has evolved from a contract for economic and reproductive security to a more personal commitment centered on love and companionship, as traditional roles and expectations have shifted. The article suggests that as technology continues to influence social interactions, marriage may increasingly focus on emotional connections rather than economic or reproductive functions.