10 - Anxious Generation (Part 1)

In this episode of What is Good, the CLC discusses the book The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt. The book addresses the current rise of mental illness among young people and makes the argument that this increase is due to two things. One, the impact of cell phones and social media; and two, the lessening of unsupervised free play during childhood. We had so much to say on this topic that it turned into two episodes. This is part one. The discussion is led by David Sanchez.

TIMESTAMPS:

0:00 - CLC released a statement after the Trump assassination attempt on July 13, 2024.

1:20 - Introduction to today's episode

3:52 - Can you remember when you got your first cell phone?

8:42 - How many kids do you have? What age are they? And has this book had any impact on how you plan to raise them?

12:10 - Summary of Chapter 1

13:12 - Chapters 2-3 of the book talk about the value of unsupervised free play. What was your childhood like in this regard?

20:10 - What advantages of free play that the author mentions stood out to you? (Bonus: John's disclaimer - Listeners be aware it is written from an agnostic perspective).

30:10 - When you hear about the dangers of the online world for minors, what are some of the typical examples given?

34:45 - The book mentions four foundational harms of smart phones and social media. (1) Social deprivation, (2) sleep deprivation, (3) attention fragmentation, and (4) addiction. Let's start with us. Which of these harms do you potentially see in manifested your own life?

41:15 - What is Good?

49:26 - Outtakes

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