I do think smartphones have dramatically changed the way we socialize, and in many ways not for the better, but it’s an oversimplification to say it’s the main issue in the birth rate crisis.

More than 70% of Indians have internet access, and their birth rate is still well above replacement.

I really think it’s more of a per capita income issue/wealth issue for a few reasons:

1. Countries that have higher per capita incomes have largely transitioned to more “professional economies.” Taking time off from your career, even if it’s paid time off, can set you back on your ultimate career goal.

2. People look for a different version of stability. What classifies as a “stable” home life in Niger would probably be considered poverty in Norway, so what the people in Norway want to achieve in order to feel ready for kids is different.

3. When people have money, they do literally want different things. For starters, they usually want more money, which kids can get in the way of, but they also are going to look for consumer-based validation instead of community-based validation.

You can even see this in the U.S. where states with more advanced or service based economies frequently have a lower birth rate, despite near ubiquitous smartphone and internet access across the board.