In 2025, mental health continues to be a pressing concern, especially for younger generations. Jonathan Haidt, professor of ethical leadership at New York University and author of ‘The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness’, offers insights into the current state of mental health and potential solutions.
The Smartphone Effect
Haidt argues that the widespread use of smartphones and social media has led to a significant decline in mental health among adolescents. He notes that students entering college classes in recent years have been markedly different from previous generations, displaying higher levels of anxiety and depression.
‘Almost every great truth that we get from the ancients about how to live a better life, to become a better person – ‘judge not lest ye be judged’; ‘be slow to anger, be quick to forgive’ – the online life, the social media life, the phone-based life, tells us to do the opposite,’ Haidt explains.
The Mental Health Crisis
The impact of this technological shift has been profound. Haidt describes an ‘instantaneous international collapse’ in mental health coinciding with the proliferation of smartphones. This trend is not limited to the United States but has been observed in countries worldwide, including Australia, New Zealand, and Scandinavia.
Recent studies support Haidt’s observations. According to a report by Modern Health, 75% of employees report experiencing some form of low mood, largely driven by politics and current events. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated these issues, with almost half of respondents stating that life was easier during the pandemic than it is now in early 2025.
Proposed Solutions
Haidt advocates for several measures to address this mental health crisis:
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Digital Detox: He recommends adults take a ‘digital Sabbath’ – a day each week with minimal or no use of digital technology. ‘It really helps if you have a community or at least a few friends to do it with,’ Haidt suggests.
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Phone-Free Schools: Following the lead of countries like Brazil and Australia, Haidt proposes keeping smartphones out of schools and raising the age for social media use to 16.
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Reducing Screen Time: ‘We’ve got to basically reduce the amount of time kids are spending on the internet and on screens by 70%, 90% when they’re young,’ Haidt advises.
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Regaining Attention: For adults, Haidt recommends changing daily habits, turning off most notifications, and actively working to regain attention.
The Way Forward
As we navigate the complexities of mental health in 2025, Haidt’s insights offer a roadmap for individuals and policymakers alike. By acknowledging the impact of technology on our mental well-being and taking proactive steps to mitigate its negative effects, we can work towards a healthier, more balanced approach to digital life.
The challenge now lies in implementing these suggestions on a broader scale, ensuring that future generations are equipped with the tools they need to maintain good mental health in an increasingly digital world.
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