Context & My Perspective

This book, The Anxious Generation, along with my review, primarily discusses Gen Z in American society. Gen Z refers to those born between roughly 1995 and 2009—often called the “Internet Generation” because they grew up alongside the internet. Those born after 2009 are considered Gen Alpha. For those born around 2010, their defining experiences likely include short-form videos, the COVID-19 pandemic, and AI.

Some of my peers have been using computers since they were young, while a large portion of them could only use them at the school library. I grew up playing many computer games, but some of my friends didn’t play any until college, and the only game they knew was Candy Crush Saga. So, there’s a huge difference within my generation.

Historical Context

For American Gen Z, two major events shaped their worldview: the 9/11 attacks in 2001 and the 2008 financial crisis. These crises dampened young people’s expectations for the future. Similarly, in Japan, the so-called “NEET” attitude of detachment and the rise of “hikikomori” (social recluses) also emerged within Gen Z.

About the Book & Author

I won’t summarize the book’s arguments in detail because it’s worth reading in full. The author, Jonathan Haidt, is a well-known social psychologist and a professor at NYU Stern School of Business, specializing in moral psychology, business ethics, and complex social systems. In 2013, Prospect magazine named him one of the world’s top thinkers.

Haidt previously wrote The Coddling of the American Mind (2018), which examined helicopter parenting and the increasing fragility of young people. That book became a global bestseller. Similarly, discussing The Anxious Generation in depth could fill multiple podcast episodes. Many of its arguments are already widely known, so part of the book’s value lies in its rigorous use of data and case studies to support its claims.

My Reflections

1. The Internet of 2010 vs. 2016: A Radical Shift

The internet landscape in 2010 was entirely different from what it became by 2016.

• In 2010, internet access was still more common in major cities due to high costs. Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube were relatively young, and their early users were mainly college students and academics.
• By 2016, social media giants were aggressively competing for user engagement. Algorithms prioritized attention-grabbing content over quality, fueling the spread of misinformation, sensationalism, comparison culture, vanity, anxiety, and even hatred.

The rise of mobile internet also changed content consumption. Initially, people went online to document their lives and stay informed. But in the mobile era, a significant portion of online content is created purely for monetization.

2. Gender Differences in Social Media Use

• Boys tend to engage in gaming, pornography, and online forums. While online gaming reduces real-world violence, it has increased toxic behavior, such as trolling.
• Girls are more drawn to selfies and emotional expression. Seeking validation in small online circles has led to increased issues like insomnia, low self-esteem, anxiety, hypersensitivity, self-diagnosed mental disorders, and even self-harm.

As modern economies shift away from physical labor, and economic conditions stagnate, the number of socially withdrawn young men has risen.

3. Exploration Mode vs. Defensive Mode

Haidt introduces two models of childhood development:

• Exploration Mode, where children actively engage with the world, and
• Defensive Mode, where they withdraw due to perceived threats.

I found this concept particularly insightful.

To combat anxiety, Haidt suggests young people engage in religious, meditation or offline communal activities for real-life support. He highlights the importance of mindfulness and focus-building practices.

4. Policy Recommendations

Haidt argues that the U.S. should raise the minimum age for social media and smart device usage from 13 to 16 or even later. He points out that the PG-13 movie rating applies to films, but online content has far greater potential for harm.

For parents, Haidt advises:

• Strict control over children’s phone and internet access.
• Encouraging offline exploration and real-world interactions.
• Forming small community groups (e.g., 10+ parents) to create a healthier environment for kids.

He makes similar recommendations for schools.

5. The Reality of Education & Society

Western education has some strengths. Books like Animal Farm, Lord of the Flies, and The Crowd: A Study of the Popular Mind are required reading. Schools also offer structured courses on information literacy, critical thinking, and handling online negativity.

However, in practice, the U.S. education system is highly unequal. In many areas, basic public safety is inadequate (gang violence, drug issues), and public education is severely underfunded. In such environments, being a focused, well-supported student can feel like a privilege rather than a norm.

6. A Missing Discussion: Workplace Adaptation

One issue Haidt does not address is how young people accustomed to focus and simplicity will navigate the complexities of the modern workplace.

For example, industries like social media, gaming, and entertainment thrive on constant online presence. Ironically, those who spend more time online may have an easier time adapting to these careers.

Additionally, can individuals raised in highly structured, ethical environments break moral boundaries when necessary to succeed? Many profitable sectors—viral content, sensationalism, hate-baiting, and misinformation—thrive precisely because they exploit human nature’s darker impulses. While such content could theoretically be regulated out of existence, it remains extremely lucrative today.