Smartphones may explain up to half of birth rate decline, economist says
8 reported1 unconfirmed
A new working paper by economist Caitlin Myers suggests that the spread of smartphones could account for between one-third and one-half of the decline in U.S. birth rates since 2007. Birth rates have fallen by 22% since that year, which coincides with 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, proposes that smartphones reduced in-person social interaction, increased access to contraceptives and abortion information, and made pornography more available, potentially substituting for in-person relationships. 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 decline in birth rates.
Early iPhones worked only with AT&T, creating a natural experiment in areas with and without coverage.
Births fell more in areas where iPhones were available, even after controlling for variables like population density and local economics.
The drop in birth rates is most pronounced among teenagers.
The paper suggests smartphones reduced in-person interaction, increased access to contraceptives and abortion info, and made pornography more available.
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, economist and professor 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
