The Anxious Generation

What The Anxious Generation is about

Jonathan Haidt argues that childhood changed sharply in the early 2010s, and that the change shows up in the numbers. Rates of anxiety, depression, self-harm and suicide among young people began to climb around 2010, just as smartphones became common. He points out that the rise appeared across developed countries, was far smaller for people over 30, and cannot be pinned on the 2008 financial crisis, since earlier downturns left no similar mark.

His explanation has two parts. Children need risk, challenge and unsupervised play to grow, and overprotective parenting and fewer chances to roam have taken those away. Meanwhile social media brings social deprivation, lost sleep, scattered attention and addiction, and Haidt says leaked Facebook documents show the company knew of harm to teenage girls. He calls for phone-free schools and simpler phones for kids. Parents, teachers and anyone who worries about young people's wellbeing will find a clear, data-driven case here.

Questions about The Anxious Generation

When was The Anxious Generation published?

The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt was first published in 2024.

Was The Anxious Generation one of the best books of 2024?

The Anxious Generation is #16 on BookWard's Best Books of 2024, out of 33 2024 books that cleared our data bar. 300 readers have shelved it on Open Library; readers rate it 3.6 out of 5 (14 ratings); its Wikipedia page averaged 8,349 views a month recently.

Why is The Anxious Generation on the Best Books of 2024 list?

300 readers have shelved it on Open Library; readers rate it 3.6 out of 5 (14 ratings); its Wikipedia page averaged 8,349 views a month recently.

More of the best books of 2024

• The Let Them Theory Mel Robbins, #1
• The Tainted Cup Robert Jackson Bennett, #2
• Lights Out Navessa Allen, #3
• The Women Kristin Hannah, #4
• Funny Story Emily Henry, #5
• The Wedding People Alison Espach, #6

See the full Best Books of 2024, the Top 100, or new books on Rising.