The birth rate is continuously falling all over the world. Earlier it was believed that as the economic condition of a country improves, the birth rate starts decreasing. But the last two decades saw a different pattern. A study by the National Bureau of Economic Research analyzed the potential impact of the iPhone on the birth rate in the United States between 2007 and 2011. When this device was available only through AT&T network.
1. iPhone and declining birth rate?
After 2007, there has been a continuous decline in the birth rate. Between 1980 and 2007, there were 65-70 births per 1,000 women, which decreased to 54 in 2024, i.e. a decrease of about 22%.
2. Birth rate statistics by age
The study found that iPhone use reduced the birth rate among women aged 15 to 19 years by 4.5 to 8 percent and among women aged 20 to 24 years by 3.2 to 6.6 percent.
3. Deep impact of lifestyle
Changing lifestyle has also affected the social interactions of people. In 2003, people spent an average of 68 minutes a day in face-to-face conversation, which dropped to 38 minutes in 2019, a decline of about 44%.
4. How much screen time increased?
A sharp increase has been seen in the use of digital devices. In 2003, people spent an average of 22 minutes per day on screens, which increased to 96 minutes in 2019, i.e. an increase of about 336%.
5. How much has changed in 17 years?
Between 2007 and 2024, a major age-related change was seen in the birth rate. There was a 70% decline in those aged 15-19 and a 47% decline in those aged 20-24, while the birth rate increased by 14% among women aged 35-39.
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