[peterbraden]

Because the migration to cities has been a large proportion of the increase in productivity over the last few centuries.

It is more efficient to have urbanised populations. Rural life is already over-subsidized by urban centers.

[luiscleto]

I wonder if remote work opportunities could become significant enough to slow this trend and make more people prefer smaller/quieter towns to the big city life while still holding jobs for big industries.

Does anyone happen to know if this effect is/can be a thing or do remote workers still flock to big cities anyway? I imagine this could eventually lead to lower rents in cities (but also lower salaries due to increased competition in cheaper places)

[peterbraden]

Remote work is a rounding error compared to the overall migration trends. Many jobs require presence, and this isn't going to change anytime soon.