In this interview, Dr. Jordan B. Peterson speaks with social psychologist Jonathan Haidt about the themes explored in Haidt's book, "The Anxious Generation," focusing on the impact of technology and social media on children's mental health and development. They discuss the rise in anxiety, depression, and self-harm among young people, particularly girls, since the early 2010s, correlating it with increased smartphone and social media use. The conversation covers the addictive nature of these technologies, the displacement of crucial childhood activities like play and face-to-face interaction, and the unique challenges they pose to boys and girls. Haidt proposes four norms to combat these negative effects: no smartphones before high school, no social media before 16, phone-free schools, and increased free play and independence in the real world, emphasizing the need for collective action to restore a healthy childhood.
