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Abstract There has been growing concern over the dramatically increasing number of divorces in China over the past two decades. We use provincial data from 2002 to 2014 to shed light examine what role the Internet has had on the number of divorces. We find that growing levels of broadband internet penetration and usage have significantly affected the propensity for divorce. The number of divorces grew by 0.008% for every 1% increase in the number of broadband subscribers. Instrumental variables estimation indicates that these effects are robust to possible spurious correlation. In addition, we identify three potential mechanisms that may be responsible for how broadband internet subscription affects the number of divorces. The impact of broadband internet subscription on divorce is larger in those areas with lower education levels as well as areas with a higher income growth rate, is positively affected by instant messaging services, and it plays a fundamental role in spreading information related to divorce. This paper not only explores the reasons why the number of divorces in China is increasing, but also makes marginal contributions to existing studies related to the impacts of improved technology on society. Highlights • Our findings indicate that broadband internet penetration have increased the propensity for divorce in China. • We identify three mechanisms by which broadband internet affects divorce. • This paper makes marginal contributions to existing studies related to the impacts of improved technology on society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The molecular planarity of a small molecule donor is one of the key factors affecting its molecular packing behavior, the morphology of the related active blend and thus the photovoltaic properties of all small molecule organic solar cells (ASM-OSCs). In this contribution, a series of new benzodithiophene (BDT)-based A-π-D-π-A type small molecules were developed, namely SD1, SD2 and SD3, by combining the chemical modification of side chain (sulfuration), π-bridge (alkoxy groups introducing) and end group (different type or different alkyl chain). The sulfuration of the BDT side chains and introducing alkoxy group to the π-bridge could induce intermolecular S⋯S and intramolecular S⋯O non-covalent interactions for higher planarity of these small molecules. The rhodanine and cyanoacetate end groups showed less effect on the optical and electronic properties but significantly affected the molecular packing behavior and blend morphology. From SD1:Y6-T to SD2:Y6-T and SD3:Y6-T, the face-to-face packing was gradually reduced, while the face-to-edge packing was increased, which resulted in lowered exciton dissociation efficiency, further decreased the device performance. SD1:Y6-T blend exhibited more favorable face-to-face packing and ideal morphology for efficient charge dissociation and transport, contributing to a champion PCE of 10.12%. This work provided a deep insight of the donor and acceptor packing behavior effect on the photovoltaic property by molecular design. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]