The Anxious Generation

In this episode, we explore Jonathan Haidt’s The Anxious Generation and its insights into the impact of technology on adolescent mental health. Haidt argues that the shift from a “play-based” to a “phone-based” childhood, fueled by overprotective parenting and the rise of social media, has disrupted healthy development. We discuss how this change has contributed to rising anxiety and depression in young people, especially girls, and how the virtual world hinders social growth. Tune in as we unpack Haidt’s proposed solutions, including delaying smartphone use, phone-free schools, and encouraging unsupervised play to build resilience.