Plain English with Derek Thompson

Are Smartphones Really Driving the Rise in Teenage Depression?

May 14, 2024

Joining the discussion is David Wallace-Wells, a bestselling science writer and columnist for The New York Times, renowned for his insights on climate and societal challenges. The conversation tackles the contentious link between smartphones and rising teenage depression, especially among girls. David emphasizes the need for a nuanced perspective, arguing that cultural factors and increased mental health awareness contribute significantly to the crisis. The debate explores whether the impact of screen time is truly as detrimental as often portrayed, urging listeners to reconsider common narratives.

38:05

Episode guests

David Wallace-Wells

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Quick takeaways

The debate around the rise in teenage depression is multifaceted, with arguments pointing towards smartphones as a major factor but conflicting scientific evidence suggesting otherwise.

Cultural influences and societal perceptions play a significant role in the varying rates of teenage anxiety globally, indicating a complex interplay of factors beyond just smartphone usage.

Deep dives

Teenage Anxiety Crisis Explained

The podcast delves into the increasing rates of anxiety and sadness among American teenagers, particularly teenage girls. The discussion centers on the factors contributing to this rise, with debates ranging from societal anxiety levels to changes in parenting styles. A prevalent theory suggests that the surge in smartphone and social media usage has led to decreased offline social interactions, potentially fueling mental distress.

Global perspective on teen mental health

00:58

Impact of Smartphones on Teen Mental Health

01:44

Questioning the Effectiveness of Psychotropic Drugs for Mild Depression

01:39

Intro

2min

The Complex Link Between Smartphones and Teen Mental Health

5min

Unpacking Teen Mental Health and Technology

16min

Exploring Prevalence Inflation in Mental Health Awareness

3min

Navigating Mental Health and Technology

13min

Today—a closer critical look at the relationship between smartphones and mental health. One of the themes we’ve touched on more than any other on this show is that American teenagers—especially girls—appear to be “engulfed” in historic rates of anxiety and sadness. The numbers are undeniable. The Youth Risk Behavior Survey, which is published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, showed that from 2011 to 2021, the share of teenage girls who say they experience “persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness” increased by 50 percent.

But there is a fierce debate about why this is happening. The most popular explanation on offer today in the media says: It’s the smartphones, stupid. Teen anxiety increased during a period when smartphones and social media colonized the youth social experience. This is a story I’ve shared on this very show, including with Jonathan Haidt, the author of the new bestselling book 'The Anxious Generation_.'_

But this interpretation is not dogma in scientific circles. In fact, it’s quite hotly debated. In 2019, an Oxford University study titled "The Association Between Adolescent Well-Being and Digital Technology Use" found that the effect size of screen time on reduced mental health was roughly the same as the association with “eating potatoes.”

Today, I want to give more space to the argument that it's not just the phones. Our guest is David Wallace-Wells, bestselling science writer and a columnist for The New York Times. He says something more complicated is happening. In particular, the rise in teen distress seems concentrated in a handful of high-income and often English-speaking countries. So what is it about the interaction between smartphones, social media, and an emerging Anglophonic culture of mental health that seems to be driving this increase in teen distress?

If you have questions, observations, or ideas for future episodes, email us at PlainEnglish@Spotify.com.

Host: Derek Thompson

Guest: David Wallace-Wells

Producer: Devon Baroldi

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