No sex please, we're scrolling: Data is showing us that smartphones may be reducing fertility (opens original article in a new tab)

Research suggests smartphone use, particularly iPhones, may be linked to declining fertility rates and other societal issues, with calls for monitoring related indicators.

• US fertility rate fell by 22% since 2007 iPhone release
• Smartphone availability linked to 33-52% decline in fertility rates
• Research suggests smartphones reduce real-world interactions and increase access to contraception and pornography
• Smartphones also associated with increased loneliness and reduced local social ties
• Study suggests need for tracking indicators like fertility, loneliness, and civic participation