Are the Kids Alright? EPISODE 2: Smartphones, Social Media, and Loneliness with Jean Twenge
Nov 3, 2023
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Jean Twenge, an expert on the impact of technology on younger generations, discusses the surge in depression and loneliness among Gen Z. They explore the connection between smartphones, social media, and mental health issues in teens. The podcast also addresses the potential positive aspects of technology and the need for curating content and apps for young people in a digital environment.
Jean Twenge argues that smartphones are the likely cause behind the sudden increase in mental health issues among teens after 2012.
The decrease in face-to-face interaction among Gen Z is linked to increased loneliness and depression.
Deep dives
The impact of technology on Gen Z's mental health
The podcast explores the rise in depression, anxiety, and loneliness among Gen Z and their relationship with technology. The speaker discusses how the increase in teens feeling lonely coincided with the rise of smartphone usage. The controversial connection between technology and mental health challenges is explored, as well as the pushback against acknowledging this link. The negative impact of social media, such as social comparison and body image issues, is discussed. The dramatic increase in mental health challenges, including self-harm and suicide, is highlighted.
The decline of in-person socializing among Gen Z
The podcast highlights the significant decrease in face-to-face interaction among Gen Z, specifically the decreased time spent with friends in person. The speaker emphasizes the importance of emotional closeness and the benefits of in-person socializing. The shift towards more online communication and the impact on social interaction and mental health is discussed. The connection between spending less time with friends in person and the increase in loneliness and depression is explored.
Beyond diagnosed mental health challenges
The podcast delves into the disruption of normal social activities experienced by Gen Z due to technology. It discusses the negative impact of reduced in-person socializing and the consequences of not experiencing the emotional closeness that comes with face-to-face interaction. The trade-off between decreased rates of certain negative behaviors, such as crime and teen pregnancies, and the negative impact on mental health is examined. The need for finding a balance and examining the long-term effects of these changes is emphasized.
Addressing the challenges of technology use
The podcast explores the need for collective action in addressing the challenges posed by technology use among Gen Z. The importance of implementing regulations and policies at a national or industry-wide level is highlighted, such as not allowing smartphone usage until the age of 16. The role of schools, communities, churches, and households in mitigating the negative impacts of technology is discussed, including creating rules such as no phones in the bedroom overnight and promoting in-person social interactions.
Whether you're a parent, a youth pastor, a teacher or a young person yourself, you've probably seen all of the headlines concerning Gen Z. Rates of depression and loneliness are surging, their relationship with technology is kind of troubling, and they are leaving the church in droves. We've talked about these trends a lot on the Holy Post, but we're not alone. Tenx10 is a new collaborative discipleship initiative whose mission is to make faith matter more for this younger generation. We've partnered with Tenx10 to create this series and to hear from experts in each episode about the challenges young people and those who care about them are facing. One of those experts is Jean Twenge, a professor of psychology at San Diego State University, and an author with an expertise in generational differences and technology. She's known for her books iGen, Generation Me, and The Narcissism Epidemic, and she's argued that smartphones were the most likely cause behind the sudden increase in mental health issues among teens after 2012. Skye sat down with Jean to find out if the kids are gonna be alright.
0:00 - Theme Song
0:18 - Intro
1:32 - Epidemic of Loneliness
11:41 - Solutions
32:51 - Tenx10 Info - Go to tenx10.org for resources on how to help the younger generation care more about faith
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