by Rachel Lebovic

Graphic design by Anaiah Reyes 

A goal of mine for 2025 was to read more, which was driven by the intention to find some tech-free hobbies. As a member of Gen Z who grew up immersed in technology, I’ve decided my life needs more variety than what my computer, phone, and TV can offer, so I made a “to read” list for 2025. Not surprisingly, as a PhD student studying suicide prevention and youth mental health, The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt made it to the top. I suspect that Haidt, a social psychologist at New York University (NYU), would be thrilled to learn this was the path I took to his book. Focusing on Gen Z, referred to as “the anxious generation,” Haidt tries to understand the dramatic rise of mental illness my generation has experienced. His suggested culprit: smartphones.

Haidt begins the book by presenting data from multiple countries demonstrating the youth mental health crisis, highlighting 2010-2015 as the critical period. In these years, rates of mental illness–specifically depression and anxiety–rose dramatically for young people. While this surge appears stark, Haidt proposes that it was the consequence of years of a changing landscape ignited by an inciting event. 

This changing landscape, which Haidt refers to as “the great rewiring” is the result of the transition from a play-based to a phone-based childhood, altering how youth develop socially and emotionally. Hadit describes how society experienced a shift towards fear, which led to the overprotection of kids in the physical world around the turn of the new millennium. He describes children as “inherently antifragile,” meaning they need to face failure and challenges to grow and develop resilience. The overprotection of kids in the physical world, which can include not allowing kids to walk to school alone or play contact sports, deprives children of the opportunity to experience adversity vital to the development of their antifragility. Instead, the belief that they are incapable is instilled, which can lead to an anxious disposition. Simultaneously, they are being introduced to the virtual world where they are, ironically, often under-protected. In the late 1990s and early 2000s as technology became widespread, there was little understanding of its impact on the developing mind, and consequently, little regulation. 

Yet, as these societal changes were happening, rates of mental illness remained stable. It wasn’t until 2009 when the catalyst was introduced, the smartphone. This invention allows youth to have technology with them at all times, enabling constant access to social media and video games. This ushered in the full transition away from a play-based childhood to a phone-based childhood. It was at this time a rise in mental illness became apparent. In the last section of the book, Haidt shares his proposed solutions including no phones until high school, no social media until 16, and increased independence for youth. 

The rise in mental illness is undeniable. I see it in my research, and as a member of “the anxious generation,” I see it in my peers. Haidt presents a thought-provoking and convincing explanation for this rise. While his solutions seem promising, I question their feasibility. Perhaps we can meet in the middle. If you are looking for a  push to change your technology use or want insight on how to prevent your children from falling into the same problem, this is an interesting book for you. 

References 

1. Haidt J. The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness. Penguin; 2024.