Overview

• Jonathan Haidt's upcoming book, 'The Anxious Generation,' examines the transformation of childhood due to smartphones and social media, leading to increased depression and anxiety.
• Studies link heavy social media use with poor mental health outcomes, particularly among girls, while boys face a different set of challenges with online gaming and pornography.
• Haidt advocates for delaying smartphones and social media use until the teen years, promoting real-world engagement over online activities.
• The book suggests collective action from parents, schools, and lawmakers to combat the negative effects of social media on youth mental health.
• Haidt's research is supported by data showing a significant rise in mental health issues among teenagers correlated with the advent of smartphones and social media.