{
  "id": 2802198,
  "title": "Singaporean says having no dependents these days is a superpower because it helps preserve your wellbeing",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/23/singaporean-says-having-no-dependents-these-days-is-a-superpower",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-23T04:30:58.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Independent Singapore",
    "slug": "the-independent-singapore",
    "url": "https://theindependent.sg/singaporean-says-having-no-dependents-these-days-is-a-superpower-because-it-helps-preserve-your-wellbeing/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Singapore, where the birth rate has taken a historic low of .87, has sparked a debate on social media. A local Reddit user, u/FitPassenger592, made a bold statement, claiming that staying child-free can be considered a superpower in today's world. In a post on r/asksg, they elaborated on the advantages of having no dependents, stating that it allows individuals to prioritize their wellbeing by choosing to \"throw in the towel\" during trying times. The user cited a stress-coping study from the past, which indicated that rodents with control over an electric shock switch suffered less gut health damage compared to those without control. This led the author to believe that giving up on commitments such as marriage, having children, or striving for a better life for family members to focus on personal wellbeing is not only acceptable but \"perfectly fine.\" The concept of \"lying flat\" or tang ping in Singapore refers to rejecting societal pressures to work hard, climb the corporate ladder, and achieve traditional milestones like a high-paying job, expensive housing, and marriage, in favor of a low-stakes lifestyle. Despite the unconventional nature of the post, none of the commenters expressed disagreement. Many parents, including a mother and her children, shared their support for not adhering to societal expectations and prioritizing happiness instead. The author of the post acknowledged the wisdom of these parents, praising them for breaking the cycle of generational trauma. As more individuals embrace the \"childless couples and single-hood\" trend, some believe that removing the burden of caregiving and focusing on building investment portfolios can lead to a healthier and more prosperous future.",
  "summary": "One commenter asked: why join the sandwich generation if you have the option not to? This article ( Singaporean says having no dependents these days is a superpower because it helps preserve your wellbeing ) first appeared on The Independent Singapore News .",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}