Jonathan Haidt, social psychologist: We're at a tipping point for kids and technology

The conversation centers on the impact of technology, particularly smartphones and social media, on the mental health, loneliness, and cognitive development of children and adolescents. Jonathan Haidt argues that the introduction of smartphones around 2010-2015 correlates with a sharp increase in depression, anxiety, and declining test scores among young people globally. He points to the addictive nature of touchscreen devices and the constant social comparison fostered by platforms like Instagram as key drivers. Haidt advocates for delaying smartphone access until at least age 16, banning screens from bedrooms, and prioritizing real-world interactions and storytelling to foster healthy development. He references Sweden and Denmark reversing their embrace of technology in early education as evidence of a growing global awareness of these issues.