What is Social Media Doing to Kids? with Dr. Jean Twenge

The podcast explores the impact of social media and technology on the mental health and well-being of young people, featuring Dr. Jean Twenge, a psychologist known for her research on this topic. Twenge presents data from the World Happiness Report and other studies, revealing a correlation between heavy social media use and decreased life satisfaction, particularly among girls. The discussion covers potential mechanisms behind this trend, such as displacement of sleep and in-person social interaction, and the rise of social comparison. Twenge advocates for setting clear rules around technology use for children, suggesting delaying smartphone access until driving age and establishing technology-free zones, like bedrooms. The conversation also addresses broader societal implications, including the role of schools and potential regulation of social media platforms.