Smartphones may explain up to half of birth rate decline, economist says
8 reported1 unconfirmed
A new working paper by economist Caitlin Myers argues that the spread of smartphones could explain between a third and a half of the decline in U.S. birth rates since 2007. Birth rates have fallen by 22% since that year, which also marked the introduction of the iPhone. Myers, a professor at Middlebury College, used the fact that early iPhones only worked on AT&T’s network to compare areas with and without coverage. She found that births fell more in places where iPhones were available, even after controlling for population density and local economics. The paper, co-authored with her stepson Ezekiel Hooper, suggests smartphones reduced in-person social interaction, increased access to contraceptive and abortion information, and made pornography more available. The drop in birth rates has affected women of all ages but is most pronounced among teenagers. Apple did not respond to an inquiry about the paper.
What’s reported
U.S. birth rates have fallen by 22% since 2007.
Economist Caitlin Myers’ working paper is titled “Is the iPhone Birth Control?”
The paper argues smartphones could explain between a third and a half of the birth rate decline.
Early iPhones worked only with AT&T, creating a natural experiment.
Births fell more in areas with iPhone coverage, even after controlling for variables.
The drop is most pronounced among teenagers.
Co-author is Ezekiel Hooper, Myers’ 24-year-old stepson.
Apple did not respond to an inquiry about the paper.
Open questions
Whether birth rates will level off or continue to fall as smartphones become ubiquitous.
Key figures
Caitlin Myers, professor of economics at Middlebury College
Ezekiel Hooper, co-author and Myers’ stepson
Jean Twenge, professor of psychology at San Diego State University
Steve Jobs, former Apple CEO
Sources: NPR
