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The Anxious Generation: Jonathan Haidt on How Smartphones Rewired Childhood, Part One

Intelligence Squared

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The Great Rewiring of Childhood

Suicide rates have been decreasing globally, but when analyzed by age and sex, it is evident that teen girls' suicide rates surged around 2014, followed by teen boys. This increase is attributed to the significant transformation in childhood due to rapid technological advancements from 2010 to 2015. Prior to this period, children had a different, more human-like childhood experience with limited technology like flip phones. However, the introduction of smartphones with social media platforms dramatically altered teenagers' lives. Boys shifted towards video games, while girls gravitated towards visually-oriented social media, amplifying issues like bullying and social comparison. This transformation has led to a more isolated childhood experience, where boys spend hours gaming alone, and girls immerse themselves in social media, both missing out on traditional social interactions. This shift is highlighted as 'the great rewiring of childhood,' signifying a significant departure from past childhood experiences towards a more isolated and technology-driven upbringing.

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