A recent study has found a possible link between the introduction of smartphones and the decline in the US fertility rate. The study, which tracked the spread of AT&T mobile broadband and compared the change in fertility rate between 2007 and 2011, found that in counties where more than 90% of residents had early smartphone access, the fertility rate fell significantly more than it did in counties with limited smartphone access.

Findings and Theories

The researchers estimate that early diffusion of the iPhone caused between a third and a half of the decline in the general US fertility rate between 2007 and 2011. They theorize that smartphones may have shifted our time and attention, making it less likely to have sex and lead to a pregnancy. Drops in unintended births to young people are a key factor in the broader decline in fertility rate in the US.

Some experts agree that smartphones have played a role in changing relationship patterns that can lead to lower fertility rates, but they also point out that the broader context, including major changes in housing costs, education, labor markets, gender norms, and social life, must be considered. The timeframe studied predates the widespread adoption of many smartphone features, such as dating apps and social media.

Policy Implications

The researchers emphasize that they don’t think smartphones are the only reason for the decline in the US fertility rate, but rather a major factor. They also acknowledge that it’s a difficult policy problem to solve, as the goal is to bring the fertility rate back up. A pronatalist movement has gained momentum, with policy moves geared toward encouraging people to have more children.

Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.