In India, about 30 years ago, women had an average of 3.4 children; However, now this figure has reduced to 2.0. According to government surveys, it is below the replacement level of 2.1 – meaning the population is no longer growing fast enough to sustain itself. Yet, this change is not limited to India alone; The birth rate is falling rapidly in many countries around the world. In many areas, the average number of children per woman has dropped from two to almost one, and in some countries, the most common figure has actually dropped to zero. Let us understand why this is happening.
Why are women having fewer children?
For a long time, experts have attributed this trend to rising inflation, high house prices, late marriage, career pressure and changing social attitudes. Although these factors are still relevant today, researchers are now examining another aspect: the impact of smartphones and digital platforms. Many recent studies show that technology has not only changed the way humans interact, but has also started affecting the birth rate.
Are Smartphones Really Affecting Fertility Rates?
*According to a report in the Financial Times*, researchers Nathan Hudson and Hernán Moscoso-Boedo of the University of Cincinnati analyzed birth rate data in the United States and the United Kingdom after the introduction of 4G mobile Internet services. Their research found that areas where high-speed mobile internet became available early saw birth rates decline earlier — and more rapidly — than others. Researchers believe that smartphones have fundamentally changed the nature of interpersonal relationships among young people. Instead of meeting face-to-face, people are now spending more time online, resulting in a decline in personal interactions and social engagement. According to the study, this same change may have also played a role in the decline in birth rates.
In which countries is this effect visible?
This pattern does not appear to be limited to just the United States and the United Kingdom. An analysis by the *Financial Times* found that the rapid decline in birth rates in many countries began when smartphones became an integral part of ordinary people’s everyday lives. In countries such as the US, UK and Australia, birth rates among teenagers and young adults declined suddenly and rapidly after 2007. This coincided with a period when smartphones and mobile apps were becoming increasingly popular. The special thing is that the biggest decline was seen in those age groups who use smartphones the most.
Why are young people hesitant to become parents?
Finnish population expert Anna Rotkirch believes that youth who use social media too much are facing increasing problems related to their relationships and personal life. According to her, social media constantly exposes people to the glamorous lives of others, a world of economic pressures and constant comparison – factors that can foster feelings of insecurity and instability. Many researchers believe that digital platforms exacerbate pre-existing concerns related to finances, careers and housing, leaving young people unprepared to take on the role of parent.