The Anxious Generation How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness

The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt offers an in-depth exploration of the youth mental health crisis and provides actionable solutions. Building on his reputation as a leading social psychologist and bestselling author of The Coddling of the American Mind, Haidt delves into how Gen Z’s well-being was compromised by profound technological, social, and cultural shifts.

Haidt identifies 2009 as a pivotal moment when smartphones, selfie culture, and social networks began reshaping adolescents' sense of self, introducing new challenges for mental health. Beyond technology, he examines how modern parenting practices—marked by overprotection in physical spaces and neglect in digital ones—set the stage for this crisis. He highlights four core harms driven by phones: sleep deprivation, social isolation, cognitive overload, and addictive behaviors, with specific focus on how these issues impact boys and girls differently.

The book’s final section offers evidence-based strategies for parents, schools, universities, and governments, along with advice tailored directly to teens. Haidt draws on ancient wisdom and psychological research, guiding readers toward healthier development in an age dominated by digital technology.

This powerful investigation sheds light on both the causes and solutions for the decline in youth mental health, making it a crucial read for anyone concerned about the future of the next generation.