People may still want the proverbial white picket fence and yard, but what about 2.5 kids? For a certain demographic of Millennials and her generation Z, the dream isn’t about family, it’s about freedom.
If you’ve been watching your TikTok feed, you may have noticed that “We’re DINKs” videos have become popular recently, with more and more people advocating a child-free lifestyle.
In fact, in a new Credit Karma survey of 2,027 adult women over the age of 18, 19% of respondents said their goal was to become a DINK, or “dual income, childless” pair. Ta. Of the various generations surveyed, Gen Z was the one most likely to want to be a DINK (18% of Millennials, 19% of Gen X, and 11% of Boomers and older). 32%). Worth noting: DINKs may choose to delay parenthood until later in life, rather than making a conscientious decision to remain childless.
Here’s what you need to know about DINKs and why the term attracts some social media users.
What are DINKs?
The term “DINKs” refers to “double income and no children” or “dual income and no children.” It was born in his 1980s as a phrase tied to the growing “yuppie” (young urban professionals or upwardly mobile professionals) culture of that era, and is not new. there is no.
“Being a DINK refers to a time when both individuals in the relationship are working without taking on financial responsibilities for the child,” says LMHC, financial therapist and author of the forthcoming book Aja Evans says. feel good finance.
DINKs often use their time and money to enjoy each other, friends, family, hobbies and free time.Per Joyce Mater, LCPC, Financial Therapist, Author Fix your financial mind: A mental fitness program for a rich lifeDINK Lifestyle “emphasizes the financial and lifestyle benefits of being in a partnership where both people work and there are no dependents.”
Marter said DINK’s popularity on TikTok is shocking at a time when 67% of Gen Z and 65% of Millennials feel “exhausted” from worrying about money. At the same time, I don’t think it’s surprising. He found that parents are the ones bearing the most stress, with around half (49%) saying they are completely stressed out no matter what they do.
As for why short videos like this are spreading like wildfire on social media right now, Marter says most viewers are financially stressed and desperately looking for solutions. I think this is the cause.
“The solution from the video is that if they work together and delay having children, they can live less stressed, happier and more attractive lives,” she says. “The great thing about the ‘We’re DINKs’ video is that it empowers people who feel financially powerless and dissatisfied.”
Meanwhile, Evans believes the influx of DINKs into coverage on TikTok and pop culture means more people are talking about money more often than before. “Taboos around talking about money and choosing not to have children are gradually breaking down, and people are less timid about discussing financial choices,” she says, adding that all One TikToker pointed out that he doesn’t think the couple is discussing the DINK lifestyle, as they don’t plan on having children, and are instead enjoying their current freedom of not having as many responsibilities.
Why DINKs cause breakups
Financial therapists are pleased that people are embracing the often-maligned term. However, if you raised an eyebrow after watching the DINK video, you’re not alone.
“People who are not DINKs by choice or who have caring responsibilities may not be able to relate to this sentiment,” Evans says. “It’s upsetting to feel like your life choices or circumstances are being disrespected. No one wants to feel judged, including DINKs, SINKs (single income, no children), caregivers, parents, etc.” .”
Marter said DINK videos can have a whiff of privilege, and most of them may be disadvantaged by factors such as systemic racism, discrimination and marginalization. They point out that there seems to be a lack of compassion and empathy for certain others. He added: “This video can help parents who are under financial pressure to reconsider their life decisions and relationship conflicts.”
Of course, choosing not to have children for now (or forever) doesn’t guarantee financial security. If anything, Mater said, the DINK video speaks to the financial stress prevalent among young people and their desire to pursue a path to greater financial freedom. “It’s clear that working together without children is not the only solution to economic peace and prosperity,” she says.
DINK videos remind us that the glossy lives we see on TikTok and Instagram are just that: smooth representations of reality. Conversely, the same goes for people who consistently post picture-perfect videos and images of well-behaved children.
After all, Evans I like that people are reusing the DINK terminology and using it more often. “DINK has a special perk. I’m here for people having fun on social media, as long as there’s nothing shameful going on,” she says. “No one should be ashamed of their financial decisions, whether it’s buying a boat or paying for a traveling soccer team.”
