Book Recommendation: The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt

Haidt claims we have over-protected our children in real life and under-protected them in virtual life.

In his book, The Anxious Generation, Haidt explores how the smartphone and social media revolution—particularly beginning around 2010—has profoundly changed childhood and adolescence. With clarity and compelling data, Haidt lays out how the shift from a play-based, in-person childhood to a phone-based, screen-saturated one has coincided with alarming spikes in anxiety, depression, self-harm, and loneliness among teens, and especially among Gen Z. For young girls, there has been a spike in disconnection though social media claims it connects you with hundreds of thousands, and a rise in eating disorders. Role models for young girls are readily available without much monitoring among influences online. For young boys, they are drawn into hours and hours of videos online and gaming—that while you can play a game with many people all around the world, you're not in the same room missing out on the true personal connection of social health.

He not only unpacks the cultural and psychological consequences of this shift but also offers practical, research-informed solutions for parents, educators, and policymakers. He blends data, stories, and cultural insight to show how our society unwittingly engineered an environment that leaves kids more isolated, overstimulated, and emotionally fragile.

This book is both eye-opening and actionable. Whether you're a parent concerned about your child’s well-being, an educator navigating classroom challenges, or simply someone interested in the mental health of the next generation, The Anxious Generation provides a vital framework for understanding what's happening—and what we can do about it.

Clear, compassionate, and deeply thought-provoking, The Anxious Generation is an enlightening and supportive reading for anyone who cares about kids and teens in today’s digital age

Want more on this? Listen to the interview where Haidt sits down with Trevor Noah to discuss this book: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-anxious-generation-with-jonathan-haidt/id1710609544?i=1000708539637