

Smartphones Rewired Childhood. Here's How to Fix It.
152 snips Mar 26, 2024
In this discussion, social psychologist Jonathan Haidt, renowned for his insights on moral psychology, delves into how childhood has been irrevocably altered by smartphones. He highlights a profound shift from adventurous play to digital isolation, linking this transformation to rising anxiety and loneliness among youth. Haidt argues for the necessity of resilience-building through real-world challenges, contrasting modern parenting with the past. He emphasizes the urgent need for parents to implement boundaries and advocate for better regulation of children's online lives to improve their mental health.
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Haidt's Free-Range Childhood
- Jonathan Haidt describes his free-range childhood in 1970s Westchester County.
- He and his friends roamed freely, played games, and even had rock fights, showcasing unsupervised play.
Modern Childhood: Screen Time vs. Social Interaction
- Today's children spend extensive time on screens, averaging nine hours daily including social media and video games.
- This virtual focus displaces real-world interaction, especially for Gen Z.
Shift Away from Free Play
- The shift away from free play began in the 1980s, driven by increased fear and focus on college admissions.
- This 'great rewiring of childhood' transformed its purpose and nature.