A recent podcast brought a jarring statistic to light for founders: new research suggests smartphone usage could contribute up to 30% to declining fertility rates, pushing us below replacement levels. John Coogan recounted how this data has even convinced skeptics like Derek Thompson, who previously dismissed the link.
The most unsettling moment came when Coogan quoted Denmark's Prime Minister: “I would rather let my kids smoke cigarettes than use an iPhone.” That's not hyperbole from an activist; it's a head of state, staking a clear position on a perceived threat to human reproduction. It’s a statement that cuts through the noise and forces you to confront the real, unintended consequences of ubiquitously adopted tech.
Tech's Selective Ethics: AI's Openness vs. Device Silence
What’s truly striking, according to Coogan, is the stark contrast in how different sectors of the tech industry engage with these types of "eco stuff" debates. “You know that these companies are not going to want to address,” Coogan observed, referring to device manufacturers and big tech players when it comes to the fertility issue. They prefer to wait until a "solved narrative" exists, or until they're forced to act.
This behavior stands in sharp contrast to the new guard of AI CEOs. “Oh, you want to talk about [ethics]? Absolutely. I'd love to talk about that for an hour,” Coogan quipped, mimicking their eagerness. AI leaders are actively shaping the narrative around their technology's societal impact, often proactively engaging in complex ethical discussions. It’s good PR, sure, but it also establishes a precedent for responsibility—a precedent that device makers seem to be avoiding when uncomfortable truths about their core products emerge.
This isn't about blaming a single app or a “single look at a screen,” as Jordi Hays noted. It’s about the systemic, long-term effects of constant connectivity and screen exposure, and the industry’s differing appetites for accountability.
The Danish PM's Stark Warning: iPhones vs. Cigarettes
When Denmark's Prime Minister declares she'd prefer her children smoke cigarettes than use an iPhone, it’s a warning shot that ambitious founders should internalize. This isn't just a quirky hot take; it's a political leader making a statement about the perceived societal cost of a widely adopted product. While cigarettes have a known, documented health cost, the idea that a modern communication device could be worse for the future of humanity is, as Coogan put it, "crazy."
Yet, the research is emerging, linking device usage to a 30% drop in fertility below replacement rates. This isn't about immediate user experience; it's about the future workforce, consumer base, and societal stability. For any founder building a company, these macro trends will eventually affect your market, your talent pool, and your brand's perception. The PM’s statement also highlights a critical trust deficit: if political leaders are making such extreme comparisons, the public will eventually demand answers and solutions from the companies whose products are implicated.
What to Do With This
As a founder in your 20s or 30s, you can't solve global fertility rates this week. But you can internalize the lesson in corporate responsibility. First, critically evaluate your own product: Are there any emerging "eco stuff" impacts (wellness, attention, mental health) that you might be tempted to ignore until a "solved narrative" appears? Get ahead of it. Second, proactively consider your team's well-being regarding device usage. Implement a "digital detox" policy, encourage screen breaks, or even offer phone lockers during meetings. Don't wait for your company to be caught flat-footed like device manufacturers seem to be. Shape your own ethical narrative before one is imposed on you.