Jonathan Haidt

Jonathan Haidt is an American social psychologist and author known for research on moral psychology and the effects of digital media on youth. He is the author of The Righteous Mind, co-author of The Coddling of the American Mind, and author of The Anxious Generation.

Professor at New York University Stern School of Business; researcher in moral and social psychology, cultural and political divides, and wellbeing.

The review praises Haidt's clear, data-driven account of the "Great Rewiring" (circa 2010–2015) that shifted childhood toward phones and away from free play. It links heavy smartphone and social media use to rising depression in girls and social withdrawal in boys. Haidt recommends stricter age verification, limits on smartphone access (ideally until ~16), and more freedom for children to play and take risks.

For:Parents, educators, policymakers, psychologists, and readers concerned with youth mental health and digital media effects