El Podcast

E110: Population Collapse: What It Means for Humanity - w/ Dr. Mads Larsen

Episode Summary

In this episode, Mads Larsen, author and researcher at the University of Oslo, explores the global fertility crisis, cultural shifts in human relationships, and the societal implications of declining birth rates. He discusses the historical evolution of mating systems, the challenges of modern dating, and the role of technology in shaping the future of reproduction. Through a lens of optimism, Larsen emphasizes the urgency of addressing these issues to sustain humanity while fostering meaningful cultural change

Episode Notes

In this episode, researcher Mads Larsen warns that modern societies may be on a path to self-eradication unless we find a way to reconcile female freedom with reproduction.

Guest Info: Mads Larsen, researcher at the University of Oslo and author of Stories of Love: From Vikings to Tinder (open access)

Topics Covered:

• Global population collapse and generational shrinkage
• Why South Korea’s fertility rate (.7) spells demographic disaster
• How female mate choice and Tinder skew the dating market
• Historical shifts from arranged marriage to individual choice
• Norway’s generous welfare state—and why it hasn’t stopped fertility decline
• The illusion of immigration as a solution
• The psychological and economic impacts of declining reproduction
• Polygamy, incels, and mating inequality
• The promise (and risk) of AI and automation for humanity’s future

📺Watch the full episode on YouTube➡️https://youtu.be/LEUX89IARV0