Are screens just a habit for young people, or something far more harmful? In this episode, psychologist and researcher Dr. Jean Twenge, author of iGen and Generations, breaks down how screen time — especially social media and gaming — is hijacking teen mental health. From rising rates of depression and anxiety to her powerful “A-N-D” framework (Attachment, Negative experiences, Displacement), Jean explains why so many teens are struggling — and what we can do to help.
Hear what the latest research really says, what most headlines miss, and how we can help young people reclaim their wellbeing in a digital world.
Featured Expert
Jean Twenge, PhD
Books
iGen, by Jean Twenge
Generations, by Jean Twenge
Research References
Social Media and Mental Health: A Collaborative Review. An ongoing open-source literature review posted and curated by Jean Twenge, Jonathan Haidt and Zach Rausch.
Richardson, L. P., et al. Evaluation of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 Item for Detecting Major Depression Among Adolescents. PEDIATRICS, 126(6), 1117–1123, 2010.
SAMHSA. 2023 NSDUH Annual National Report | CBHSQ Data. 2023.
Time Code
00:00 Introduction
01:16 Interview with Jean Twenge: Exploring Generational Differences
02:13 The Impact of Social Media on Teen Mental Health
03:58 Attachment, Negative Experiences, and Displacement: The AND Framework
05:03 Hearing teens’ voices
09:02 Broader Implications of Screen Time
17:16 Understanding Depression Statistics and Misleading Headlines
20:48 The Importance of Sleep for Mental Health
24:18 Parental Strategies and Societal Changes
28:19 Conclusion and Resources
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