The Dr. Hyman Show

Scrolling Ourselves Sick: The Hidden Cost of Constant Connection

28 snips
Aug 4, 2025
In this insightful discussion, Jonathan Haidt, a social psychologist, explores the harmful effects of social media on mental health, especially among teens, linking it to rising anxiety and depression. Cal Newport, a proponent of digital minimalism, emphasizes the need for intentional technology use to combat cognitive overload and promote deep work. Tobias Rose-Stockwell reveals how social media's design exploits our vulnerabilities, contributing to societal polarization. Together, they advocate for awareness and healthier boundaries to restore genuine connections and well-being.
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INSIGHT

Smartphones Rewired Childhood

  • Teen mental health worldwide declined significantly starting around 2010, coinciding with smartphone adoption.
  • This "great rewiring of childhood" represents a shift from in-person play to extensive phone use.
ADVICE

Delay Smartphones for Kids

  • Delay giving children smartphones until at least ninth grade to protect their early brain development.
  • Join collective parent pledges to overcome social pressure enforcing early phone adoption.
INSIGHT

Phones Damage Focus and Productivity

  • Constant phone use impairs long-term cognitive function, reducing focus and productivity.
  • Brief distractions cause significant attention residue, extending recovery time after context switches.
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