Smartphones arrived just before the US fertility rate plunged. One study says it’s a direct cause (opens original article in a new tab)

A study suggests that the rise of smartphones in the US, particularly after 2007, may have contributed to the decline in fertility rates, with significant drops in teen birth rates in areas with early smartphone access. However, some experts argue that other factors, such as long-term social trends and contraceptive availability, also play a role.

• The US fertility rate declined significantly after 2007, coinciding with the introduction of smartphones.
• A study links early smartphone adoption to a 26% drop in teen birth rates in areas with high smartphone access.
• Some experts question the study's focus on smartphones, citing long-term trends and other factors like contraception access.