Sweden's birth rate is at record lows, and a new partial report from the government's investigation points to social media as a possible factor. The probe, launched in July 2025, examines why the desire to have children is declining. Experts highlight unrealistic expectations and a dark worldview on social media as contributing causes.
Social media as a factor in declining birth rates
Since 2010, the number of births in Sweden has decreased almost every year, reaching historically low levels. In July 2025, the government launched an investigation to understand the trend and reverse it. The probe is led by Åsa Hansson, associate professor of economics at Lund University.
A recently published partial report, first reported by P3 Nyheter, suggests social media may be a contributing factor. It describes how platforms create unrealistic expectations through images of others' 'fantastic lives,' while spreading negative and conflict-driven views of the world.
– Another factor is the worry and uncertainty about the future where social media spreads both dark and conflict-driven images of our present and future, while also spreading images of a fantastic life that rarely corresponds to the everyday life most of us live, says Åsa Hansson.
The report notes parallel societal changes like increased mental health issues, distrust in science, and political polarization. These heighten the risks of having children in an uncertain world, including geopolitical threats, climate risks, uncertainty around jobs, housing, and relationships.
– It is very difficult to empirically sort out the connections between social media and childbearing and actually demonstrate a causal link. More research is needed here, says Hansson.
In Södertälje, where SVT interviewed residents, views are more nuanced. Many acknowledge social media's influence but emphasize personal choices. – Social media can influence, but I look to myself, I don't want to have children just because, says Patrick Alw.
The investigation continues to explore hypotheses, as research has yet to identify a convincing explanation.
