China Uses AI to Address Declining Marriage Rates with 'Regret Videos'

As marriage rates in China continue to decline, some parents are turning to technology to encourage their children to marry and start families. In 2024, approximately 6.106 million marriages were registered in China, marking a 20.5% drop from the previous year, with a national marriage rate of 4.3 per 1,000 people, according to data from Xinhua News Agency and the Ministry of Civil Affairs.

"Regret Videos" Gain Popularity on Social Media

On platforms like Douyin (the Chinese equivalent of TikTok) and Weibo, videos known as **"Regret Videos"** are becoming increasingly popular. These AI-generated clips feature elderly individuals expressing remorse for not marrying or having children sooner, often echoing parental advice.

Examples of these videos include:
An AI-created 58-year-old woman alone in a hospital, contrasted with patients surrounded by family.
A 56-year-old character lamenting her decision to disregard her parents' counsel about family life.
Despite being labeled as AI-generated, these videos quickly attract millions of views across social media.

Mixed Responses from the Public

Some observers have characterized this trend as an "electronic siege" by parents, while others caution that such tactics may exacerbate divisions between married and unmarried individuals, fostering resentment. Young viewers often respond with sarcasm, critiquing the use of AI to depict emotional scenarios as ineffective, with some finding the videos amusing. Others argue that these portrayals might strengthen resistance to familial pressure and promote intentional singlehood among youth.

Reflection of Societal Concerns

This trend underscores the increasing social anxiety in China regarding falling marriage rates and shifting family structures, illustrating how modern technology, including artificial intelligence, can influence personal life choices directly.