culture
Did the iPhone cause a baby bust?
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TL;DR
- The U.S. 'Baby Bust,' a decline in birth rates, began in 2008, coinciding with the Great Recession.
- A study by economists Caitlin K. Myers and Ezekiel Hooper suggests the iPhone's launch in 2007 is a significant cause of the Baby Bust.
- The study found that birth rates dropped more in areas with greater AT&T coverage (initially the sole iPhone carrier), explaining 33-52% of the decline in the general fertility rate.
- Potential mechanisms include the impact of dating apps on relationships, increased private and on-demand pornography access, and reduced time for socializing and dating.
- Smartphones may also contribute to declining social trust and increased individualism, which are detrimental to forming families and communities.
- The rise of social media, often accessed via smartphones, is seen as fostering self-absorption and a focus on personal advancement over serving others, hindering the commitment required for parenting.