Published on 12, July, 2020
Guardian article:
https://www.theguardian.com/books/2024/mar/24/the-anxious-generation-jonathan-haidt-book-extract-instagram-tiktok-smartphones-social-media-screens?utm_source=pocket-newtab-en-gb
Very interesting, I think.
Do you have a smartphone and if not, why not?
Does the absence isolate you?
Also, what is your relationship with your phone?
I keep mine at as good a distance emotionally and intellectually as I can manage, but having a rather obsessive personality, I find myself checking it more often than I would like.
However, I do turn off all notifications for peace of mind.
I have a phone. I got one a few years ago for my 13th birthday. My Mum says I use it too much, I think she thinks I'm up to mischief which isn't true.
On my phone I spend most of my time looking up things I'm interested in, as I really like learning about things like that. I like to use YT and watch music videos or interviews of my fav celebs. I browse eBay and look at all the things I want to buy, some of them are realistic and others are my biggest dream buys like diamond necklaces which I'll probably never afford in my wildest dreams!
I like looking up pics of my fav celebs like Taylor Swift, admiring her appearance and wishing I could look like her or sing like her.
Sometimes I play games on my phone but not often.
I like that I can access online communities like this one, that gives me the interaction I need in my life without actually having to go out and interact. Without technology I would be totally isolated and alone.
My relationship with it is good, healthy IMO. I don't think it affects my mental health.
I likely spend too much time on it. My phone records my daily screen time and generally I'll spend between 14-16 hours on my phone each day. But I've got insomnia as well and this is generally what I use when I can't sleep.
I could live without it. I would use my laptop like I used to when I was growing up but I like how easy and simple smartphones are. They're accessible and I like that.
I always keep my phone on silent so it doesn't ring and I don't get bombarded with notifications. Then again I rarely get notifications anyway.
I try to never talk on my phone if I can help it.
L said:I like that I can access online communities like this one, that gives me the interaction I need in my life without actually having to go out and interact. Without technology I would be totally isolated and alone.
I feel the same as you on this.
There actually is a 'technology' thread somewhere too.
I'm generally positive about it but then I think as a 60+ year old, I've come from such an utterly different life where communication was quite basic (when I was really young) that I can more effectively be in control I think than some young people.
If I was wanting friends now, then I'd probably have to engage more in social media, which can be a nest of vipers.
I'm glad it's a positive thing for you.
(I am not GenZ).
I find with Social Media (and smartphones) I try to be strict about using them "my way" for the benefit of myself and those whom I care about ...and remind myself (regularly) that I am under no obligation to use those platforms / smartphone apps / features and settings which do not support me well.
I have always been quite a visual learner so I like things like e.g.:
- using different colours on a smartphone calendar (so I don't need to open the event as the colour choice is enough to remind me e.g. Attend something versus doing something),
- using Zoom / MS Teams to access online courses / observe or join in topical discussions on my terms e.g. I am curious about this international event later today www.un.org/.../autism-day (the recordings from last year's event are available to provide an idea of what it might be like today),
- using Facebook just for being able to a) join select interest groups & b) FaceTime with people (I know in the real World) who are stuck at home or hospital while they recover from illness or treatment.