Exploring key solutions such as age restrictions, phone-free schools, promoting free play, and establishing new social norms to combat negative effects of smartphones and social media on children. Highlighting the efforts of Wait Until 8th group and the need for collective societal shift towards delayed smartphone use. Discussing the importance of age-appropriate design codes, responsible behavior by social media companies, and the moral responsibility of executives in protecting children online.
Is Gen Z’s mental health in decline because their “phone-based childhood” has flooded them with anxiety and ruined their sleep? Or is there a more complex mix of factors at play? Jonathan Haidt makes his case for the former explanation in his latest book, The Anxious Generation.
While many people intuitively agree with his argument that phones and social media are ruining kids, some researchers are accusing Haidt of coming up with a grand overarching theory that isn’t supported by the data. Kara brings the moral psychologist and NYU professor onto the podcast to discuss his ideas, the criticism he’s gotten, and his proposed solutions to the problem.
Questions? Comments? Email us at on@voxmedia.com or find Kara on Instagram/Threads as @karaswisher
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices