Editing The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt (section)

=== The Impact of Political Polarization ===
Another important aspect of Haidt’s exploration is the role of political polarization in exacerbating anxiety. Haidt notes that the rise in political division and ideological extremism has created a sense of constant conflict and uncertainty. Young people, in particular, are often caught in the crossfire of these intense cultural and political battles. Social media, again, plays a key role in amplifying these tensions, making it difficult for young people to have meaningful conversations across ideological lines.

The heightened sense of political tension contributes to feelings of powerlessness and anxiety. Haidt notes that many young people are coming of age in a world where political solutions seem increasingly unreachable, and societal problems feel insurmountable. This sense of hopelessness compounds the sense of anxiety that many are already experiencing.