Are smartphones to blame for the “Anxious Generation” ?
Image: Jean Twenge/Monitoring the Future
Younger Americans today are in the midst of a mental health crisis, with significantly higher rates of depression, anxiety, loneliness, and suicide compared to previous generations at the same age.
And, while experts have yet to reach a consensus on what’s causing the trend, many have theorized it may have something to do with the rise of smartphones and social media.
One such theorist is social psychologist Jonathan Haidt, an NYU Stern professor of ethical leadership and author of a new book called Anxious Generation.
- Haidt argues the sharp decline in US teens’ mental health is directly linked to a rise in “phone-based childhood,” which began in the early 2010s after smartphone usage became widespread and social media exploded in popularity.
- He cites a wide range of studies that show rates of anxiety, depression, self-harm, and suicide among US teens have all roughly doubled between 2010 and 2021, after staying relatively consistent over the previous decade.
Yes, but… Other experts have pushed back on Haidt’s claims of an established link between smartphones/social media and youth mental health issues, saying the data only shows a correlation – not causation.
- Some researchers also say Haidt doesn’t properly consider the possibility that the many recent world crises could be a source of mental strain for teens, or that increased mental health awareness and acceptance in recent decades has boosted the overall number of diagnoses.
🧒📵 Zoom out: A handful of states have passed laws limiting kids and young teens’ exposure to social media since last May, when the US Surgeon General published an advisory warning of the risks of social media usage for youth.
- This includes Florida, which took the furthest step of any state last week when it enacted a law banning all social media accounts for children under 14, and requiring parental permission for 14- and 15-year-olds.
📊 Flash poll: In your opinion, is the rising popularity of smartphones and social media the main factor behind America’s youth mental health crisis?
See a 360° view of what media pundits are saying →
Sprinkles from the Left
- Some commentators argue that while many parents have extremely valid reasons for allowing their children access to smartphones and other devices, Americans need to take collective action to prevent smartphones from harming youth mental health.
- Others contend that while Congress is inactive regarding legislation to protect against the harms of smartphones and social media, local governments should take steps to get kids to spend less time online.
- “'Generation Anxiety' needs free play. Not smartphones.” –Houston Chronicle Editorial Board
- “The Internet Is a Wasteland, So Give Kids Better Places to Go” –Michelle Goldberg, NY Times
- “Parents Alone Can’t Protect Kids From Social Media” –Lisa Jarvis, Bloomberg
Sprinkles from the Right
- Some commentators argue that the responsibility to protect children from the harms of smartphones and social media shouldn’t completely fall to parents, and that policymakers and tech companies should be obligated to work towards a solution as well.
- Others contend that parents who allow their children unfettered access to smartphones and social media are doing irreparable harm, since their kids’ brains weren’t built for the influx of unpredictable content and the algorithm can lead them to dangerous places.
- “Social media is hurting kids. Why are parents alone in the fight?” –Dallas Morning News Editorial Board
- “Parents, you’re destroying your kids” –Billy Hallowell, Washington Times
- “Zuckerberg should apologize for the harms of social media” –Parker Miller, Washington Examiner
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