<p>The evolution of artificial intelligence (AI) and its capacity to provide social support may influence fertility decisions from a cost-benefit perspective, as AI companionship could partially compensate for the emotional and instrumental support traditionally derived from offspring. To examine this possibility, we conducted two online experiments using video priming (Study 1) and writing priming (Study 2) to assess whether AI-provided support influences fertility intentions and motivations. Study 1 revealed that participants with more positive attitudes toward situations of interaction with robots reported decreased fertility intentions following exposure to human-robot interaction videos. Meanwhile, Study 2 found that participants with more positive attitudes toward emotional interactions with robots exhibited increased fertility intentions after imagining AI companionship during an illness scenario. We propose that these divergent effects stem from distinct cognitive frameworks: when an AI robot is perceived as a substitute for human support, it may diminish the anticipated benefits of having children, thereby reducing fertility intentions. However, when viewed as a human assistant, an AI robot may lower the perceived costs of childrearing, thus enhancing fertility intentions. These findings provide a novel insight into how human-robot interactions may influence individuals’ desire to have children, potentially contributing to long-term demographic shifts. They also highlight the need for further investigation into AI’s role in shaping attitudes toward family formation and social sustainability.</p>