Is social media driving teen mental health issues?
The Vergecast
- Published
- September 15, 2026
- Duration
- 45:46
- Summary source
- description
- Last updated
- Sep 16, 2026
Discusses Two years ago, social psychologist Jonathan Haidt released his book, The Anxious Generation. In it, …
Summary
Two years ago, social psychologist Jonathan Haidt released his book, The Anxious Generation. In it, he argued that the rise of social media and smartphone use is to blame for the prominent decline in teen mental health since 2010. This month, psychology researcher Peter Gray takes on that narrative with his book, Restoring Childhood. In a conversation wit…
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Show notes
Two years ago, social psychologist Jonathan Haidt released his book, The Anxious Generation. In it, he argued that the rise of social media and smartphone use is to blame for the prominent decline in teen mental health since 2010. This month, psychology researcher Peter Gray takes on that narrative with his book, Restoring Childhood. In a conversation with senior policy reporter Lauren Feiner, Gray argues that school — not social media — is the real culprit. Further reading: The premium AirPods