Emotions play a significant role in shaping our morality, influencing our beliefs based on our inclinations. The author suggests that random selection of schools to go phone-free may offer insights into the effectiveness of such policies. The current focus on phone restrictions in schools differs from past moral panics, as most people have witnessed the impact firsthand. While traditional moral panics often stem from exaggerated media narratives, the issue of phone use in schools is widely acknowledged by parents and media as a genuine concern. The debate around phone restrictions in schools is less about scientific evidence and more about personal experiences and beliefs, leading to less opposition from critics. The author asserts that emotions often precede rational reasoning in shaping moral judgments, contributing to the polarization of viewpoints, especially in emotionally charged debates.
Is Gen Z’s mental health in decline because their “phone-based childhood” has flooded them with anxiety and ruined their sleep? Or is there a more complex mix of factors at play? Jonathan Haidt makes his case for the former explanation in his latest book, The Anxious Generation.
While many people intuitively agree with his argument that phones and social media are ruining kids, some researchers are accusing Haidt of coming up with a grand overarching theory that isn’t supported by the data. Kara brings the moral psychologist and NYU professor onto the podcast to discuss his ideas, the criticism he’s gotten, and his proposed solutions to the problem.
Questions? Comments? Email us at on@voxmedia.com or find Kara on Instagram/Threads as @karaswisher
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