#974 - Why I (Basically) Quit Social Media

In 'The Anxious Generation', Jonathan Haidt examines the sudden decline in the mental health of adolescents starting in the early 2010s. He attributes this decline to the shift from a 'play-based childhood' to a 'phone-based childhood', highlighting mechanisms such as sleep deprivation, attention fragmentation, addiction, loneliness, social contagion, and perfectionism that interfere with children’s social and neurological development. Haidt proposes four simple rules to address this issue: no smartphones before high school, no social media before age 16, phone-free schools, and more opportunities for independence, free play, and responsibility. The book offers a clear call to action for parents, teachers, schools, tech companies, and governments to restore a more humane childhood and end the epidemic of mental illness among youth.

Trent Horn's "Case for Catholicism" presents a comprehensive defense of the Catholic faith, addressing common objections and misconceptions. The book delves into core Catholic doctrines, exploring their historical development and theological underpinnings. It engages with various philosophical and scientific perspectives, offering reasoned arguments and evidence to support Catholic teachings. Horn's writing style is accessible and engaging, making complex theological concepts understandable to a broad audience. The book serves as a valuable resource for both Catholics seeking a deeper understanding of their faith and those exploring Catholicism from outside the tradition.