I'm not sure if I'm following you. What does having kids change about the future of society as we know it, and how does worrying about this future more because you have kids make your (or their) life better or easier?
As a thought experiment, try to imagine you are not living in a modern, safe and developed country, but somewhere in dark africa or some deserted sandbox somewhere. Do you think people there have the same ideas about 'progress', 'technology', and do you think they feel the same about the importance of simple things when they have kids?
My comment was in regards to your preference for a nihilistic attitude. Having kids will make you think more about your (direct surroundings and) society and it's future. As you said: "we're done for as a species sooner or later no matter what"
Oh I think about these things a lot, just because I prefer a nihilistic, cynic (realistic) world-view does not mean I don't care about people, my surroundings, or anything in general, or that I go around telling people they are doomed and life is futile. On the contrary, I tell them to not worry too much and enjoy life as much as possible.
None of the above means I try to convince myself the future will only bring us peace and prosperity for everyone though...
