The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt
Spoiler Alert: Social media is pretty horrible for kids
I first discovered this author with an earlier book he co-wrote, The Coddling of the American Mind. This book was pivotal in how I approached parenting and helped me see how well-intentioned behaviors are actually setting our future generations up for a really difficult life as adults.
The Anxious Generation takes a different but connected approach to the impact of technology on our younger generation. What I loved most was (based on scientific evidence) the simple framework presented on how to curb the tide of depression, anxiety, and other pandemic-level trends these technology trends are having on generations of kids.
Every parent (present and future) should read this book (or just my summary!).
I've already purchased multiple copies for friends, and once again, Jonathan helped me fundamentally rethink my role as a parent facing social pressures to give our kids access to social media and technologies they (and their minds) were never prepared for.
"Children thrive when they are rooted in real-world communities, not disembodied in virtual worlds" - Jonathan Haidt
Biggest Takeaway: Our roles as parents aren't to hide our children from technology but merely to guide and govern them at the pace that makes sense based on their mental and emotional capacity.
Here are my notes, action items, and lessons learned (paid subscribers only)…