

990: Jonathan Haidt | How Gen Z Became the Anxious Generation
108 snips May 14, 2024
In this engaging discussion, Jonathan Haidt, a social psychologist and NYU Stern professor, delves into the alarming mental health crisis among Gen Z. He reveals how social media and smartphones since the early 2010s have intensified anxiety and depression, particularly among young girls. The conversation highlights the paradox of digital connectivity leading to isolation and the crucial need for boundaries around technology use. Haidt advocates for phone-free environments in schools and emphasizes the importance of real-world interactions to foster resilience in youth.
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Social Media & Loneliness
- Social media connects users globally but isolates them locally, increasing loneliness.
- It shifts focus from real-life interactions to shallow online connections.
Understanding Social Media's Impact
- The negative impacts of social media have worsened, and research now provides a clearer understanding.
- Overprotection in the real world and underprotection online are mistakes needing reversal.
Evolution of Social Media
- Social media evolved from connection-focused platforms to performance-based ones.
- This shift, driven by features like likes and retweets, made social media more destructive.