A Gen Z Reporter Questions Jonathan Haidt, author of ‘The Anxious Generation’

Social media and smartphone-based childhoods have fundamentally rewired adolescent development, fueling a crisis of anxiety, depression, and attention fragmentation. Jonathan Haidt, author of *The Anxious Generation*, argues that the transition from unsupervised, real-world play to constant digital engagement has deprived children of essential executive function and social skills. Recent legal victories against tech giants for addictive design practices signal a growing consensus that these platforms pose significant risks to minors. While legislative efforts focus on age restrictions for those under 16, the broader movement advocates for "safety by design" to dismantle business models that exploit human attention. Reclaiming childhood requires shifting away from digital dependency toward real-world experiences, as the current environment disproportionately impacts vulnerable populations and exacerbates social inequities. Addressing this systemic issue necessitates both policy reform and a cultural pivot toward humane, non-addictive digital interactions.