Jonathan Haidt

We've never seen such a sharp change in generations in terms of their mental health.

So that's what we see when we look back historically.

We can certainly now discuss the research trying to pin it down.

But what I'm pointing to is an incredible pattern of changes that happened in many countries simultaneously, always with more increases for the girls, not affecting the middle-aged people, but only affecting the teenagers.

And no one can offer another explanation other than the transformation of childhood by the technology.

Let's think about it this way.

Okay.

For those of you who are over 35 or 40, you surely had a play-based childhood.

What I'd like you to do is think...

Think back on the most exciting things that you ever did as a child.

Think back on times you just were hanging out with your friends.

Think back on how much time you spent laughing, joking, playing around.

Now take all of that, cut it by 80%.

Because Gen Z didn't get that.

They have almost no unsupervised time.

They don't get to hang out behind the 7-Eleven or down by the river or in a playground or anywhere except online.

So take 70% of that out.

Think of all the times you smiled at a person or you made eye contact.

Take 70% of that out.

I don't know the exact number.