Researchers push back on claims that social media is harming teen mental health

Jonathan Haidt's 2023 bestseller 'The Anxious Generation' argues that social media and smartphone use are the primary drivers of declining teen mental health since 2010. The book gained significant influence, reportedly inspiring Australia's nationwide ban on social media for teenagers and shaping policy conversations among lawmakers. Haidt has also allied with families pursuing legal action against technology companies over youth mental health harms. However, some researchers and critics are now challenging the strength of the evidence behind Haidt's central thesis. The debate raises questions about whether social media is truly the main cause of the teen mental health crisis or whether other factors may be at play.