What percentage did US fertility rates fall since 2007?

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US Fertility Rates Decline Significantly Since 2007

US fertility rates have fallen by 22 per cent since 2007, a decline that new studies suggest is significantly linked to the widespread adoption of smartphones. While experts previously attributed this trend to factors like the 2008 recession, increased contraception use, and rising costs of living, research indicates that the introduction and diffusion of smartphones may have played a substantial role.
Introduction of Smartphones Correlates with Birth Rate Reductions

Research published by the National Bureau of Economic Research explored the hypothesis that smartphones, first introduced in 2007, could be a factor in declining birth rates. By comparing US counties with varying levels of AT&T coverage for iPhones between 2007 and 2011, the study found a correlation between iPhone accessibility and reduced birth rates. Specifically, access to iPhones was associated with a 4.5-8.0 per cent reduction in births among teenagers aged 15-19 and a 3.2-6.6 per cent decrease for those aged 20-24.
Global Impact of Smartphone Technology on Fertility

A separate study analysing World Bank data from 128 countries found similar trends on a global scale, suggesting a common "technology shock." Economists Nathan Hudson and Hernan Moscoso Boedo observed that birth rates accelerated their decline once smartphones became widely available, a pattern consistent across countries with diverse healthcare, welfare, economic, and cultural systems.
Smartphone Use Linked to Behavioural Changes Affecting Birth Rates

The introduction of the smartphone is believed to have influenced behaviour in ways that contribute to lower birth rates. Researchers suggest that increased smartphone use has led to less in-person social interaction and a decrease in sexual activity. Concurrently, there has been a rise in pornography consumption, which may serve as a substitute for partnered sex, thereby impacting fertility rates.
Broader Context of Declining Global Fertility

The decline in US fertility rates is part of a broader global trend. Both developed and developing nations are grappling with falling birth rates, leading to concerns about aging societies, shrinking workforces, and potential impacts on economic growth. Countries like China, Japan, and South Korea are already implementing policies to address these demographic shifts, with varying degrees of success, while middle-income nations also face rapidly dropping fertility rates.

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What percentage did US fertility rates fall since 2007?

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