The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness (2024) by Jonathan Haidt, Ph.D
Jonathan Haidt, a social psychologist, has compiled an extensive literature review with a very pointed goal to show a causal relationship between the introduction/use of smartphones and social media and the onset of the “mental health crisis” of the Gen Z generation (persons born between 1997-2012). While I think this book has a lot of very important and valid points about the harms associated with these forms of technology (such as interfering with the developmental trajectory and the lack of accountability on the tech companies and app developers who I have read/heard from multiple sources are abusing research about neurobiology for their own gains), I feel they get lost under a pile of sweeping conclusions and red flags. The narrow scope and consistent assertions of “causation” and “not correlation” seems a bit irresponsible for a PhD who is (presumably) no stranger to the world of research. This book felt more like promoting an agenda (I often wondered if Haidt has stock in companies that produce phone lockers or locked phone pouches), rather than raising awareness through the presentation of objective research outcomes. The book was draining for me to read and hard to get through with many chapters just giving me the “icks”. He has some suggestions that I think could significantly contribute to increased safety and wellbeing of your youth such as:
eliminating phone access during school hours,
adults modeling decreased phone use and increasing their knowledge of parental controls,
increasing opportunities for youth to engage in embodied and communal activities, and
advocating for legislative action to increase limitations and accountability for tech developers.
However, I feel the need to express concern about his assertions/allusions that the above suggestions alone will reverse the harm. The message(s) in this book appear to devalue the need to also research/acknowledge other contributing factors associated with the increase in mental health concerns and the benefits of incorporating a variety of other interventions to address a problem that is way more complex and nuanced than Haidt is presenting in this book (e.g., alluding to the fact that schools investing in social-emotional curricula and increasing the number of mental health providers in schools would be superfluous in addressing the mental health challenges of students).
That being said, if you are going to read this book (because you are genuinely interested in the valid information and recommendations provided), put your critical thinking cap on and practice your grounding techniques so as not to get swept up in all of the things because between the writing and the actor who is reading the audiobook, they were laying it on thick and the pull was strong.
**As a side note, as I’ve talked with other colleagues about this book, I’ve been informed that there has been a lot of criticism of Haidt’s research analysis and controversy about the book. I have been referred to podcast episodes that break down limitations and refute many of Haidt’s claims in this book. That being said, I have NOT fact-checked any of the research in the book, nor have I reviewed any of these supplemental materials (I didn’t want it to sway my opinion of the book and was planning to review after). And if I’m being honest, I need a break from this material and may or may not ever return to review that information.**
How did I hear about this book: A friend of mine who is a teacher brought it to my attention. Additionally, a fellow member of a local coalition I volunteer with has a leadership role in the school system and was curious to know my take on it once we got into a discussion about my book review project.
Would I recommend it to colleagues: With caveats for sure. Again, I think there is some very relevant information in the book. Additionally, for any of my fellow therapists whose clients are reading this book, I might recommend you read it too.
Would I recommend this to clients: It would definitely not be my first choice, and certainly not without some disclaimers. I’d also probably suggest a couple of other books to go with it to help round-out some of the gaps I found in his arguments.
How do I apply this content to my work: If a mental health challenge is being addressed, I think it is imperative that you have mental health “experts” at the table. And I felt like that was missing in this book. So my social work identity will always advocate for the value of being part of that discussion. Additionally, when working with adults who are trying to raise the next generation and trying to navigate these new challenges, I think it could provide some helpful information about the impact of technology use (pros and cons) on the wellbeing of our youth. And finally, I mentioned my volunteer work– I think bringing this information to a coalition framework that includes diverse perspectives, ideas, and criticisms to consider could foster some really positive, realistic, and sustainable change.
