Book Discussion: "The Anxious Generation" by Jonathan Haidt (in three sessions)

This summer, the Mental Health Team (co-sponsored by First Unitarian Society and HumanistsMN) will be leading a series of discussions about the book, The Anxious Generation, by social psychologist Jonathan Haidt.

We invite anyone 16 and older to participate, and we especially encourage parents of younger kids to attend! Childcare will be available.

ALL participants are asked to register for this series by providing your name and email address. Registration allows us to plan for enough seating and to send reminders and other information related to the book. For those under 18, please have a parent register you.

Wednesdays from 7:00 – 8:30pm
June 18 – discussion focuses on the Introduction and Part 1 (45 pages)
July 16 – discussion focuses on Parts 2 & 3 (170 pages)
August 20 – discussion focuses on Part 4 (75 pages)

In this landmark work, Haidt:

• documents the rise in depression, anxiety, self-harm, and suicide among young people which started between 2010-2015
• outlines the societal factors that contributed to this decline in mental health, including smartphone and social media use by pubescent youth
• proposes solutions that government, tech companies, schools, and parents can implement
• emphasizes the need for collective action to protect our youth.

We know how busy summer can be! Come to as many sessions as you can and read as much of the book as you can. If you can’t keep up, we’ve got you covered. We will start each session with a 10-minute synopsis of the part(s) of the book being covered so we can all participate in meaningful discussion of these important issues.

Your facilitators are Mental Health Team members, Karen Hatlestad, Karen Rowehl, and Richard Seurer. We look forward to diving into this enlightening book with you!

This event is sponsored by HumanistsMN. If you are not yet a dues-paying member, please consider joining to help us cover our costs and build the humanist movement. Not yet ready to join? Donations are gratefully accepted. Donate or join us at humanistsmn.org.