New Delhi: There has been a debate going on for a long time regarding the continuously decreasing birth rate across the world. It is generally believed that when the standard of living in a country or society improves, the birth rate decreases, but in the last two decades researchers have observed a different pattern. Let us tell you, now two new studies have claimed that smartphones, especially iPhones, can play an important role in this global change.
According to a study published by the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER), the fertility rate in the US remained relatively stable from 1980 to 2007, but after 2007 it has seen a steady decline. Researchers analyzed the relationship between iPhone availability and birth rates between 2007 and 2011. At the time, the iPhone was only available through the AT&T network in the US, giving researchers the opportunity to compare different regions.
The study found that areas where iPhone penetration was higher saw a greater decline in the birth rate among teenagers and young women. Researchers estimate that a large part of the decline in America’s total fertility rate during that period may be to the increased use of smartphones.
Experts believe that smartphones have changed the social behavior of people. For this reason, the time for people to meet face to face has reduced while online activities have increased. This may reduce the frequency of sexual relations. Along with this, youth have also got easy access to information to contraceptive methods, sexual health and pregnancy prevention.
In another international study, data from 128 countries has been analyzed. It was found that teenage fertility rates have declined in many countries after the rapid spread of smartphones. Researchers say that this may not be limited to any one country but may be the effect of a global technological change. However, both studies have made it clear that smartphones are not solely responsible for the decline in birth rates. Economic conditions, education, career, marriage and social changes are the reasons behind all this.
