Are We Losing Gen Z? The Data Is In - Social Media And Mental Health

gen z jonathan haidt mental health social media Feb 14, 2023

While many youth and young adults are doing well in the church (I see more youth and young adults at the temple than ever), we should not ignore the problems this generation is facing.

Social media and new helicopter parenting effects may be the primary culprits of skyrocketing mental health issues among Gen Z.

Some say that there is no difference with Gen Z as compared to other new generations. That there is always a "generation gap" and that we shouldn't worry about Gen Z. But the hard data shows something very different.

Hospitilization for mental illness is way up. Self-harm is way up. Suicide is way up. And these numbers start as early as 10 years old. Social science numbers are also concerning.

Correction: The Facebook "Like" button was added in 2009 and other social media platforms quickly followed. 2012 is when we see college student behavior start to really change.