The Veritas Forum cover image

The Veritas Forum

Hey Siri, How Do I Find Myself? A Conversation on Spirituality & Technology | Haidt & Crouch

Oct 17, 2024
Jonathan Haidt, a social psychologist from NYU and author of 'The Anxious Generation,' joins Andy Crouch, a partner for theology and culture at Praxis Labs and author of 'The Life We’re Looking For,' for a captivating discussion on technology's impact on spirituality and self-identity. They delve into how smartphones alter our sense of self and challenge genuine connections, especially in youth. The conversation also highlights the importance of sacrifice, community, and regaining control over attention to enhance personal flourishing in a tech-driven world.
48:06

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The pervasive influence of technology fosters a fragmented self that often leads to anxiety and a lack of community connection.
  • The shift from play-based childhood experiences to screen-dominated interactions undermines essential social skills and contributes to mental health issues.

Deep dives

The Nature of Anxious Selves in a Digital World

The rise of technology has led to the emergence of a phone-based self that is often characterized by anxiety due to a lack of genuine community connection. Unlike traditional interdependent selves that thrive on meaningful relationships, the phone-based self exists in fragmented connections with transient digital interactions. This disconnection contributes to feelings of loneliness and a diminished sense of identity, leaving individuals with a skewed perception of themselves based on curated online personas rather than authentic self-awareness. The overwhelming presence of social media creates an environment where individuals may feel inadequate, reinforcing the anxiety that accompanies this modern way of being.

Get the Snipd
podcast app

Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
App store bannerPlay store banner

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode

Save any
moment

Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways

Share
& Export

Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode