Study Guide for “End of the Phone-Based Childhood Now”
This essay was written by Jonathan Haidt in the March 13, 2014, online issue of The Atlantic
Depression Spike in early 2010s
Stable rates of depression began to spike in the early 2010s. We read the following:
Something went suddenly and horribly wrong for adolescents in the early 2010s. By now you’ve likely seen the statistics: Rates of depression and anxiety in the United States—fairly stable in the 2000s—rose by more than 50 percent in many studies from 2010 to 2019. The suicide rate rose 48 percent for adolescents ages 10 to 19. For girls ages 10 to 14, it rose 131 percent.
Haidt continues to write:
By a variety of measures and in a variety of countries, the members of Generation Z (born in and after 1996) are suffering from anxiety, depression, self-harm, and related disorders at levels higher than any other generation for which we have data.
Loneliness and Depression Grow As Reading and Math Decline
We read that as loneliness and friendliness surge, reading and math skills decline starting after 2012.
Arrested Development
We continue to read that those in their late 20s, late Gen Zs, are arrested in their social, romantic, and family, and employment development. They are shy, fragile, risk-averse, and difficult to work with.
Silicon Valley entrepreneurs are hiring no one under the age of 30.
Trying to find a single villain for this breakdown of late Gen Zs, Haidt points to one cause: the smartphone. As he writes:
I think the answer can be stated simply, although the underlying psychology is complex: Those were the years when adolescents in rich countries traded in their flip phones for smartphones and moved much more of their social lives online—particularly onto social-media platforms designed for virality and addiction. Once young people began carrying the entire internet in their pockets, available to them day and night, it altered their daily experiences and developmental pathways across the board. Friendship, dating, sexuality, exercise, sleep, academics, politics, family dynamics, identity—all were affected. Life changed rapidly for younger children, too, as they began to get access to their parents’ smartphones and, later, got their own iPads, laptops, and even smartphones during elementary school.
***
Being attached to smartphones hooked to social-media platforms, Gen Z fell down a rabbit hole of the following:
- Living for virality
- Addiction to social-media attention
- Altered daily experiences from outside world to online platforms
- Altered brain pathways and dopamine responses
- Deterioration of friendship, dating, exercise, sleep, academics, family dynamics, and self-image
It’s not surprising, then, that depression, anxiety, and self-harm spiked since the early 2010s.
Haidt concedes, however, that researchers debate on causation vs. correlation.
If current smartphone use is the true cause of Gen Z dysfunction and depression, Haidt wants to first answer the question: What is childhood--including adolescence--and how did smartphones change this time in a person’s life?
It is at this point in the essay that Haidt presents his thesis: That smartphones are part of a larger campaign to over-protect and over-insulate young people that is impeding their healthy and natural development. Moreover, the apparently “safe” world of their smartphone screens is actually more pernicious and deleterious to their mental health than the physical world.
In his words:
Smartphone-based life, it turns out, alters or interferes with a great number of developmental processes.
The intrusion of smartphones and social media are not the only changes that have deformed childhood. There’s an important backstory, beginning as long ago as the 1980s, when we started systematically depriving children and adolescents of freedom, unsupervised play, responsibility, and opportunities for risk taking, all of which promote competence, maturity, and mental health. But the change in childhood accelerated in the early 2010s, when an already independence-deprived generation was lured into a new virtual universe that seemed safe to parents but in fact is more dangerous, in many respects, than the physical world.
My claim is that the new phone-based childhood that took shape roughly 12 years ago is making young people sick and blocking their progress to flourishing in adulthood. We need a dramatic cultural correction, and we need it now.
***
- Children are deprived of play and the brain development from learning spontaneity, competition, fairness, and team cooperation.
- Children are deprived of risk taking, which makes them safer by giving them practice at measuring danger.
- Children are deprived of the spiritual and physical connection to the Earth.
- Children are commodified into test takers to get into the high-tier schools and give their parents pride and vicarious success.
- Virtual activities have replaced physical activities even during “play dates.”
- Children sleep less.
- Children exercise less.
- Children read long, engaging works of literature and nonfiction less in exchange for passive entertainment.
- Children engage less with people face-to-face so they don’t learn subtle facial cues, irony, sarcasm, and body language.
- Children were socially distancing at least a year before COVID by only having social-media interactions.
- Children weren’t learning the “high bar for entry and exit” for joining real communities through loyalty, respect, skill, and effort.
Two Waves of Internet
Haidt observes two waves of the Internet, early 2000s and early 2010s. The second wave is from smartphones, the virulent wave. In the second wave, by 2015, most teens were constantly on their smartphones or other similar devices like tablets.
The damage came quickly. In Haidt’s words: “It was in this brief period, from 2010 to 2015, that childhood in America (and many other countries) was rewired into a form that was more sedentary, solitary, virtual, and incompatible with healthy human development.”
For a while parents took pride in their tech-savvy toddlers and enjoyed the way a tablet could baby-sit their children while they were busy. The iPad was like having a cheap babysitter.
But over time, these same parents saw their children vegetate into screen introverts.
Their beautiful children were now hollowed-out, zombified versions of their previous beautiful selves.
Opportunity Cost
What is the cost of using a screen device? The loss of time.
In Haidt’s words:
So it’s important that we grasp just how much of a young person’s day is now taken up by their devices.
The numbers are hard to believe. The most recent Gallup data show that American teens spend about five hours a day just on social-media platforms (including watching videos on TikTok and YouTube). Add in all the other phone- and screen-based activities, and the number rises to somewhere between seven and nine hours a day, on average. The numbers are even higher in single-parent and low-income families, and among Black, Hispanic, and Native American families.
These very high numbers do not include time spent in front of screens for school or homework, nor do they include all the time adolescents spend paying only partial attention to events in the real world while thinking about what they’re missing on social media or waiting for their phones to ping. Pew reports that in 2022, one-third of teens said they were on one of the major social-media sites “almost constantly,” and nearly half said the same of the internet in general. For these heavy users, nearly every waking hour is an hour absorbed, in full or in part, by their devices.
***
Haidt argues that smartphones and social media use have had a harmful effect:
- mental health
- Self-confidence
- physical fitness
- fragmented attention
- disrupted learning
- dopamine addiction
- social media withdrawal
- Wisdom
- Meaning
***
Lost in a maze of irrelevant facts and stimulation, people become disconnected from meaning and wisdom. In the words of Haidt:
This rerouting of enculturating content has created a generation that is largely cut off from older generations and, to some extent, from the accumulated wisdom of humankind, including knowledge about how to live a flourishing life. Adolescents spend less time steeped in their local or national culture. They are coming of age in a confusing, placeless, ahistorical maelstrom of 30-second stories curated by algorithms designed to mesmerize them. Without solid knowledge of the past and the filtering of good ideas from bad––a process that plays out over many generations––young people will be more prone to believe whatever terrible ideas become popular around them, which might explain why videos showing young people reacting positively to Osama bin Laden’s thoughts about America were trending on TikTok last fall.
All this is made worse by the fact that so much of digital public life is an unending supply of micro dramas about somebody somewhere in our country of 340 million people who did something that can fuel an outrage cycle, only to be pushed aside by the next. It doesn’t add up to anything and leaves behind only a distorted sense of human nature and affairs.
When our public life becomes fragmented, ephemeral, and incomprehensible, it is a recipe for anomie, or normlessness. The great French sociologist Émile Durkheim showed long ago that a society that fails to bind its people together with some shared sense of sacredness and common respect for rules and norms is not a society of great individual freedom; it is, rather, a place where disoriented individuals have difficulty setting goals and exerting themselves to achieve them. Durkheim argued that anomie was a major driver of suicide rates in European countries. Modern scholars continue to draw on his work to understand suicide rates today.
Durkheim’s observations are crucial for understanding what happened in the early 2010s. A long-running survey of American teens found that, from 1990 to 2010, high-school seniors became slightly less likely to agree with statements such as “Life often feels meaningless.” But as soon as they adopted a phone-based life and many began to live in the whirlpool of social media, where no stability can be found, every measure of despair increased. From 2010 to 2019, the number who agreed that their lives felt “meaningless” increased by about 70 percent, to more than one in five.
***
Based on your reading of Jonathan Haidt’s “Why the Past 10 Years of American Life Have Been Uniquely Stupid” and “End the Phone-Based Childhood Now” and Jean M. Twenge’s “Have Smartphones Destroyed a Generation?”, address the claim that the marriage of smartphones and social media have created a toxic ecosystem for young adults is an over-simplistic narrative that excludes too many complex factors to be a persuasive argument.
ChatGPT
While Jonathan Haidt's "Why the Past 10 Years of American Life Have Been Uniquely Stupid," "End the Phone-Based Childhood Now," and Jean M. Twenge’s "Have Smartphones Destroyed a Generation?" offer valuable insights into the potential negative impacts of smartphone and social media use among young adults, it's important to acknowledge that the claim of a toxic ecosystem solely attributed to these technologies oversimplifies a complex issue. Several factors contribute to the challenges faced by young adults, and focusing solely on smartphones and social media neglects important nuances.
Firstly, socioeconomic factors play a significant role in shaping young adults' experiences. Economic inequality, lack of access to quality education and healthcare, and precarious job markets can all contribute to stress, anxiety, and depression among young people. Ignoring these systemic issues in favor of blaming technology overlooks the broader societal context in which young adults navigate their lives.
Secondly, cultural and societal norms also influence young adults' behaviors and well-being. Pressures to succeed academically, professionally, and socially, as well as societal expectations regarding body image and success, can contribute to mental health challenges. While social media may exacerbate these pressures, they are deeply rooted in broader cultural dynamics that cannot be solely attributed to technology.
Thirdly, individual differences in personality, resilience, and coping mechanisms play a significant role in how young adults navigate the challenges of modern life. While some individuals may be more susceptible to the negative effects of smartphone and social media use, others may find ways to maintain a healthy balance and use these technologies as tools for connection, learning, and self-expression.
Moreover, it's essential to recognize the potential positive aspects of smartphone and social media use. These technologies can facilitate communication, provide access to information and resources, and foster communities and support networks. For many young adults, social media platforms serve as spaces for self-expression, activism, and finding like-minded individuals.
In addressing the complexities of young adults' experiences, it's important to take a holistic approach that considers multiple factors, including socioeconomic status, cultural influences, individual differences, and the potential benefits of technology use. Blaming smartphones and social media alone for the challenges faced by young adults oversimplifies a multifaceted issue and may hinder efforts to develop effective solutions that address the root causes of mental health issues and societal pressures. Instead, a nuanced understanding that acknowledges the interplay of various factors is necessary to support the well-being of young adults in an increasingly digital world.
***
Second Prompt:
Based on your reading of Jonathan Haidt’s “Why the Past 10 Years of American Life Have Been Uniquely Stupid” and “End the Phone-Based Childhood Now” and Jean M. Twenge’s “Have Smartphones Destroyed a Generation?”, address the claim that though economic inequality, academic pressure and other factors lead to teen depression, the claim that the marriage of smartphones and social media have created a toxic ecosystem resulting in mental illness remains a persuasive argument.
Based on your reading of Jonathan Haidt’s “Why the Past 10 Years of American Life Have Been Uniquely Stupid” and “End the Phone-Based Childhood Now” and Jean M. Twenge’s “Have Smartphones Destroyed a Generation?”, address the claim that though economic inequality, academic pressure and other factors lead to teen depression, the claim that the marriage of smartphones and social media have created a toxic ecosystem resulting in mental illness remains a persuasive argument.
ChatGPT
ChatGPT
Drawing from Jonathan Haidt's "Why the Past 10 Years of American Life Have Been Uniquely Stupid," "End the Phone-Based Childhood Now," and Jean M. Twenge’s "Have Smartphones Destroyed a Generation?" alongside acknowledging the broader societal challenges such as economic inequality and academic pressure, it's clear that the claim attributing a toxic ecosystem and mental illness to the marriage of smartphones and social media remains persuasive.
While economic inequality and academic pressure are undoubtedly significant contributors to teen depression and mental health issues, smartphones and social media introduce a unique set of challenges that exacerbate these problems.
Firstly, smartphones and social media create an environment of constant connectivity and comparison. Young people are exposed to curated versions of their peers' lives, often leading to feelings of inadequacy and inadequacy when comparing their own lives to the seemingly perfect lives depicted online. This constant comparison can fuel anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem.
Secondly, the addictive nature of smartphones and social media further compounds these issues. The dopamine-driven feedback loop created by likes, comments, and notifications can lead to compulsive usage and a sense of dependency on these technologies. Excessive screen time can disrupt sleep patterns, exacerbating mental health issues and contributing to feelings of fatigue and irritability.
Thirdly, the anonymity and lack of accountability on social media platforms can facilitate cyberbullying and harassment, further impacting young people's mental well-being. The prevalence of online harassment has been linked to increased rates of anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation among teenagers.
Moreover, smartphones and social media can act as a distraction from real-world interactions and coping mechanisms. Instead of seeking support from friends and family or engaging in offline activities, young people may turn to their phones as a source of comfort, further isolating themselves and exacerbating feelings of loneliness and disconnection.
While economic inequality and academic pressure undoubtedly contribute to teen depression, the unique challenges posed by smartphones and social media create a toxic ecosystem that amplifies these issues. Addressing the mental health challenges faced by young people requires a multifaceted approach that acknowledges the role of technology while also addressing broader societal factors. By promoting digital literacy, fostering healthy online habits, and creating supportive offline environments, we can mitigate the negative impacts of smartphones and social media on young people's mental well-being.
***
Third Prompt
Based on your reading of Jonathan Haidt’s “Why the Past 10 Years of American Life Have Been Uniquely Stupid” and “End the Phone-Based Childhood Now” and Jean M. Twenge’s “Have Smartphones Destroyed a Generation?”, address the claim that while the marriage of smartphones and social media have created a toxic ecosystem for young adults resulting in mental illnesses, it’s not realistic to disconnect from our phones and social media; rather, we have to find ways to adapt and achieve emotional homeostasis.
Based on your reading of Jonathan Haidt’s “Why the Past 10 Years of American Life Have Been Uniquely Stupid” and “End the Phone-Based Childhood Now” and Jean M. Twenge’s “Have Smartphones Destroyed a Generation?”, address the claim that while the marriage of smartphones and social media have created a toxic ecosystem for young adults resulting in mental illnesses, it’s not realistic to disconnect from our phones and social media; rather, we have to find ways to adapt and achieve emotional homeostasis.
ChatGPT
ChatGPT
The claim that smartphones and social media have created a toxic ecosystem for young adults, contributing to mental health issues, is supported by research and observations from experts like Jonathan Haidt and Jean M. Twenge. They argue that the constant connectivity and comparison culture fostered by these technologies can lead to increased rates of anxiety, depression, and loneliness among young people.
In "Why the Past 10 Years of American Life Have Been Uniquely Stupid," Haidt discusses how social media platforms have amplified polarization, outrage, and emotional distress by creating echo chambers and promoting tribalism. He suggests that this constant exposure to contentious content can contribute to a negative mental state.
Jean M. Twenge's work, particularly in "Have Smartphones Destroyed a Generation?" highlights the detrimental effects of smartphones on the mental health of young people, pointing to correlations between increased screen time and rising rates of depression and suicide. Twenge argues that the constant presence of smartphones, coupled with the pressure to curate a perfect online image, has led to a generation that feels more isolated and disconnected despite being more connected digitally.
While it may seem unrealistic to completely disconnect from smartphones and social media, it's essential to acknowledge the need for moderation and healthy boundaries. Simply accepting the toxic elements of these technologies as an inevitable part of modern life is not the only solution. Instead, individuals can strive to adapt their behaviors and usage patterns to achieve emotional balance.
This adaptation can involve various strategies:
- Limiting screen time: Setting boundaries on smartphone and social media usage can help mitigate the negative effects of constant connectivity. This might involve scheduling designated screen-free periods during the day or using apps that track and limit screen time.
- Curating a healthy online environment: Being mindful of the content consumed on social media and actively curating a feed that promotes positivity and meaningful connections can contribute to improved mental well-being.
- Engaging in offline activities: Actively participating in real-world activities, hobbies, and social interactions can help counterbalance the isolation and detachment often associated with excessive smartphone use.
- Cultivating mindfulness: Practicing mindfulness techniques such as meditation or deep breathing exercises can help individuals become more aware of their digital consumption habits and better manage their emotional responses to online interactions.
- Seeking support: If struggling with mental health issues exacerbated by smartphone and social media use, seeking support from mental health professionals or support groups can be beneficial.
Ultimately, achieving emotional homeostasis in the digital age requires a proactive approach that acknowledges the challenges posed by smartphones and social media while actively seeking ways to mitigate their negative impact on mental health. It's about finding a balance that allows individuals to harness the benefits of technology while safeguarding their well-being.
Comments