Jonathan Haidt, a social psychologist, discusses the rise of mental illness among teenagers, the negative impact of social media on childhood development, and the need to cultivate phone-free norms. The conversation with Yascha Mounk explores the challenges of the digital age and the decline of physical risk-taking activities affecting children's resilience and well-being.
Increased rates of mental illness in teenagers, mainly girls, linked to social media usage.
Advocacy for promoting childhood independence and exposure to risks to foster resilience.
Transformation of social networking into social media contributing to negative impacts on childhood development.
Deep dives
Rise of Mental Health Crisis Among Teens
Around 2012, there was a significant increase in rates of depression, anxiety, self-harm, and suicide among teenagers, particularly teenage girls. Social media platforms, internet, and smartphones were identified as key contributors to this mental health emergency.
Impact of Social Media on Mental Health
Correlational, longitudinal, and experimental studies have shown a clear link between girls' use of social media and increased rates of depression. Heavy social media users are two to three times more likely to suffer from depression. The addictive nature of social media and lack of real-world interactions contribute to this negative impact on mental health.
Addressing the Decline in Play-Based Childhood
The decline in play-based childhood, risky play, and independence for children has led to a generation that is less resilient and more anxious. Initiatives like Let Grow promote giving children more independence and exposure to risks in a controlled and supportive environment to foster resilience and combat mental health issues.
The Evolution from Social Networking Systems to Social Media Platforms
Around 2012, a shift occurred in how we perceive platforms like Facebook, Myspace, and Twitter. Initially known as social networking systems meant for connecting people, the introduction of features like the retweet and like button in 2009 transformed them into social media platforms. This shift led to an increase in average social media time for American kids to five hours a day, primarily consumed by TikTok and YouTube videos, altering the landscape of childhood development.
Impact of Social Media and Gender Differences
Social media significantly affects girls more than boys, fostering relational aggression. Girls, more attuned to social relationships, become immersed in a world where looks and external validation dominate. The online environment becomes a breeding ground for negative behaviors and insecurities, fueling a constant need for approval and validation. Boys, on the other hand, increasingly withdraw from the real world, seeking solace and gratification in video games and online interactions, leading to a pervasive sense of loneliness and potential mental health concerns.
Yascha Mounk and Jonathan Haidt discuss the end of the play-based childhood and the rise of the phone-based childhood.
Jonathan Haidt is a social psychologist and the Thomas Cooley Professor of Ethical Leadership at NYU's Stern School of Business. He is also a member of Persuasion's Board of Advisors. Haidt is the author of The Righteous Mind and, with Greg Lukianoff, co-author of The Coddling of the American Mind. His new book is The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness.
In this week’s conversation, Yascha Mounk and Jonathan Haidt discuss the significant rise in mental illness among teenagers, particularly young girls; why social media has a negative impact on childhood development; and how we can mitigate the damage by cultivating phone-free norms and more childhood independence.
