Books The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness by Jonathan Haidt

"The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness" by Jonathan Haidt explores how major changes in childhood and adolescence driven by technology—especially smartphones and social media—have contributed to a rise in mental health issues such as anxiety and depression among young people. Haidt argues that digital technology has rewired childhood experiences by replacing traditional outdoor play and face-to-face interactions with screen time and virtual socializing. The book discusses how social media impacts self-esteem and social comparison, often exacerbating feelings of inadequacy and anxiety. It also addresses parental overprotection and societal shifts that reduce children's resilience and independence. Haidt offers recommendations for parents, educators, and policymakers to foster healthier developmental environments balancing technology use with real-life social interactions.