Fertility rates are plunging around the world and have dropped in many cases to less than the replacement level of 2.1 children per couple. The finger of blame (so to speak) has been pointed in many directions, not least the cost of living and changes in values. But a new piece of research reckons part of the explanation is the amount of time we now spend on social media.
The research comes from Anna Rotkirch, Professor at the Population Research Institute of Helsinki.
Finland is known for its generous family policies and strong welfare systems, which should push up the number of children people are having. But Prof Rotkirch and her colleagues first noticed something odd around 2015. While most young adults still said they ideally wanted children, the proportion of those who didn’t want any had tripled, rising from 5pc in the previous decades to 15pc. Surprisingly, the reasons were not mainly financial. Instead, many cited personal lifestyle choices. Statements like “I want to do other interesting things in life” or “I don’t think I’m suitable for parenthood” became increasingly common, especially among women who were highly work-oriented and heavy users of social media.
A new distinct category, separated from traditional obstacles such as job insecurity or lack of housing, emerged among those who were delaying or avoiding parenthood. Research by Prof Rotkirch revealed a clear link between heavy social media use and uncertainty about having children. Those who spent less time online tended to express more stable intentions around family life, felt less work pressure, and were in more settled life situations.
The emotional influence of digital content may go further than we think, Prof Rotkirch suggests. Psychological experiments have shown that viewing simple, positive images of parents with children can increase the desire to have kids. On the other hand, online platforms like TikTok often amplify negative portrayals of parenthood, with viral content listing dramatic or even absurd reasons to avoid having children. Such content can easily change young adults’ perceptions.
There is growing concern about the broader mental health impact of smartphones, particularly among under-30s. Psychologists like Jonathan Haidt point to rising levels of depression, anxiety, and self-harm, especially among girls and young women, who are more vulnerable to social comparison. Young men, meanwhile, are more likely to retreat into digital worlds of gaming and pornography. These patterns, combined with increased loneliness and psychological distress, contribute directly to falling fertility rates.
Relationships are changing as well. Across many countries, people are dating less, having less sex, and forming fewer long-term partnerships. Even when couples do form, screen time often interferes with their time spent together. Research shows that screen use can harm relationship stability and in turn, the decision to have children, Prof Rotkirch claims.
As family formation is pushed later in life, due to career priorities, health concerns, or lack of emotional readiness, many simply run out of time. Moreover, marriage rates are also declining.
Why does this matter? Data show that the majority of births happen within long-term, stable unions. If fewer such unions form, and if they form later and break more easily, fewer children will be born. Delaying relationships and family life not only reduces fertility but may also feed into a wider cycle of isolation and relationship instability.
“It is possible to reverse these negative trends and promote screen-life balance—provided governments have the guts to tackle the gigantic technological and commercial interests involved”, Prof Rotkirch believes.
