The Anxious Generation 

The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt explores how smartphones, social media, and changes in childhood have affected the mental health and development of young people.

Since around 2010, smartphones and social media have transformed the way teenagers communicate and spend their time. As more young people moved from face-to-face interactions and outdoor activities to online environments, concerns about anxiety, loneliness, sleep, attention, and emotional well-being became increasingly important.

The book examines how the shift from free play and independent experiences toward a highly supervised, phone-centered childhood can influence healthy development. It looks at the effects of reduced sleep, constant digital stimulation, social comparison, and excessive time spent online.