In just a few decades, our society has shifted from honoring the bravery of the Greatest Generation during World War II and the Great Depression to focusing on helping the youngest generation cope with anxiety, depression, and other threats stemming from their social media use. This drastic change is highlighted in Jonathan Haidt’s new book, “The Anxious Generation,” which paints a bleak picture of the struggles facing today’s children.
Peggy Noonan, in her review of Haidt’s book, acknowledges the mental health crisis among young people, attributing it to their addiction to social media and gaming. She recognizes the connection between these modern distractions and the rise in anxiety and depression among children and adolescents. The pervasiveness of social media has led to harmful consequences, such as increased rates of depression and anxiety disorders in both girls and boys.
The responsibility to address this generational crisis does not solely fall on parents, although they play a crucial role in protecting and guiding their children. The companies behind these addictive platforms also bear responsibility, as they design algorithms that lure children back for more. Meta’s recent decision to blur sexually explicit content on Instagram for teenagers is a step in the right direction, but it raises questions about why such safeguards took so long to implement.
Congress must intervene to hold the tech industry accountable for safeguarding its youngest users. Various bills, such as the Kids Online Safety Act and the Children and Teens Online Privacy Protection Act, aim to regulate the industry and protect children from online threats. Without legislative oversight, tech companies lack the incentive to make necessary changes.
However, legislative accountability alone is not enough. Our society’s acceptance of smartphones and excessive screen time must also change. Despite the known risks, some parents are still willing to expose young children to social media. The growing reliance on screens among children highlights the urgent need for a shift in our cultural norms.
It is essential for future generations to grow up without the harmful effects of excessive screen time. Ultimately, a collective effort is needed to address the mental health crisis facing today’s youth and protect them from the dangers of the digital world.
