Book Club: The Anxious Generation - by Jonathan Haidt

Join us for a group discussion on The Anxious Generation by social psychologist Jonathan Haidt. In this timely and widely discussed book, Haidt argues that the rise of smartphones and social media has profoundly reshaped childhood—and not for the better.

He suggests that this shift—from real-world play to screen-dominated, indoor childhoods—has driven a dramatic increase in anxiety, depression, and mental health challenges, especially among Gen Z. Drawing on data from the UK, US, and beyond, he makes a compelling case that this transformation began in the early 2010s and is still accelerating.

We’ll explore the key ideas from the book, including:

• How “phone-based childhoods” are affecting emotional and social development
• The link between screen time, sleep disruption, and rising mental health issues
• The loss of free play and independence
• Haidt’s four cultural recommendations to reverse these trends: later smartphones, delayed social media, more independence, and phone-free schools

Whether you've read the book or are just curious about the ideas, you're welcome to join the conversation.

Please RSVP and update your status if your plans change.