Editing The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt (section)

=== The Role of Social Media and Technology ===
Central to Haidt’s thesis is the role of social media in shaping the emotional and mental states of young people. He argues that the rise of platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook has had a profound effect on self-image, social comparison, and anxiety. For many young people, these platforms create an environment where their worth is constantly evaluated, often in superficial and harmful ways.

Social media encourages curated self-representations that often don't align with real life. This leads to comparison, dissatisfaction, and fear of missing out (FOMO). Haidt points out that social media's pervasive nature also disrupts young people's ability to engage in face-to-face interactions, which are critical for emotional development. Instead, they are increasingly tethered to their devices, trapped in an online echo chamber where validation is fleeting, and negativity often outweighs positivity.

The constant bombardment of information and online interactions heightens stress levels, leading to a generation that is less equipped to deal with adversity in the real world.