As technology continues to permeate people’s daily lives, parents are growing rightfully concerned about its impact on the well-being of their children. To help guide both parents and kids, author Jonathan Haidt recently released “The Amazing Generation,” an easy-to-read, graphic novel-style book about how to avoid falling prey to the addictive nature of “screens.”
Co-authored with Catherine Price, “The Amazing Generation: Your Guide to Fun and Freedom in a Screen-Filled World” presents important information in positive, child-friendly ways, describing kids as “rebels” against the potential perils of smartphones and social media.
The book illustrates Big Tech corporate leaders as “greedy wizards” who trick people into “carrying their stones [e.g., smartphones, tablets] with them everywhere … and gazing into them all day … because [the wizards] figured out how to turn human energy into gold [i.e., profits].
“In a lot of ways, technology does make life better,” the book states in the introduction. “But along the way, some of the leaders of these companies began to care more about making money than anything else.”
Tech Wizards’ False Promises
Big Tech lures people – especially younger people – with false promises that their products offer “friendship, freedom and fun.” In reality, excessive usage often results in feeling trapped, loneliness and depression.
Studies show that kids who spend five or more hours per day on social media apps are two to three times more likely to feel depressed than those who spend little to no time using social media. In addition, 95% of young adults are so trapped in a cycle of constant smartphone use that they keep their phones close by during nearly all hours of the day and night (including in bed).
“I fell into the trap of content creation,” wrote 19-year-old Matthew, in one of numerous short real-life testimonies from young people included throughout the book. “When we hung out, [my friends and I] would try to record everything instead of just having fun.”
For others, previous outdoor activities, such as riding bikes with friends or creating plays with siblings, transferred to “hanging out online,” completely changing how they socialized together.
Dangers of Technology
Haidt, a social psychologist and professor at New York University’s Stern School of Business, also wrote “The Anxious Generation,” which explores the “rewiring” of modern-day childhood, which he said has shifted from play-based social interactions to smartphone-based isolation.
And the world is taking notice, noted Haidt.
“In really huge news, Australia put an age limit on social media,” he said. As of this past December, Australia implemented an age limit of 16 for all major social media platforms.
“That counts as progress for us – gigantic progress,” said Haidt. “Even more exciting, as soon as they did it, five or six countries around the world [have responded] … ‘Let’s do that [here] too.’”
In the U.S., there is proposed federal legislation to require parental consent for social media users under 18. The topic has recently been gaining more attention due to the social media trial now underway in Los Angeles.
Inciting a Rebellion
Readers are encouraged to join the “growing rebellion” of young people who are learning how to utilize technology as a tool that helps them as needed, and replace the numerous hours typically lost to scrolling through apps and online interactions with “real friendships, freedom and fun.”
“I withdrew from my family and real-life friends, choosing to prioritize online friends over everything else,” wrote 19-year-old Mia. “But the more I felt connected to someone across the country, the less I felt connected to the people right next to me.”
Young people already deeply immersed in using their smartphones, tablets or online gaming devices can do a “rebel reset” by taking a complete break from these screens for three weeks. Why three weeks? Because when people take the plunge and completely stop using apps and devices that were designed to be addictive, they typically feel worse before they feel better.
Taking a break can initially cause anxiety, moodiness and even trouble sleeping because the brain is adjusting to reduced levels of dopamine and essentially creating “withdrawal” symptoms. To cope during this challenging period, the authors suggest seeking the support of friends by letting them know what you’re doing and how they can reach you by calling instead of texting. Rebels can also delete the apps or hide the devices they find the most tempting or problematic, and use their newly-acquired free time to meet up with real-life friends or try other screen-free activities.
“When I started reducing my smartphone, social media and gaming use I noticed it opened up a lot of space for new hobbies and [real-life] experiences,” described Saiya, 16.
“The best moments happen away from screens,” according to 22-year-old Nick.
Parents Partnering With Parents
“Parents need to understand that these devices and these apps are designed to be addictive, and they are incredibly addictive,” explained Haidt. “It’s very important to keep your children off of them, and off of social media, at least until the age of 16, and it becomes a lot easier if you’re not doing it alone.”
Haidt suggested enlisting the help of other families – specifically the parents and guardians of your child’s friends. Together, the parents can agree to adopt a no smartphone or no technology rule, which they monitor with their kids individually in the home, and when the kids get together.
“The key isn’t just to keep them off on social media,” said Haidt. “It’s to give them back a childhood that’s worth having, a childhood with some fun and independence. If we do that, we save their childhood.”
