Book Review: The Anxious Generation

Have you ever had multiple people ask if you’ve read a book, and then when you finally do, you realize—oh! That’s why they kept bringing it up. It’s exactly what you talk about all the time.

That was my experience with The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt.

A college professor, researcher, and father, Haidt didn’t initially set out to write a book about Gen Z. But as he dug into the data and evidence surrounding social media’s impact on society, the research pulled him in. This book grew from that process.

The Anxious Generation isn’t the first book to explore the unique characteristics of today’s teens and young adults, but what makes it stand out is Haidt’s deep dive into two specific shifts that set this generation’s upbringing apart from previous ones. He doesn’t just blame “the internet.” Instead, he carefully distinguishes between general technology use and the particular impact of constant access to social media through smartphones. He also examines the sharp decline in free play—something earlier generations took for granted.

Haidt argues that these two changes, taken together, have contributed to a mental health crisis among youth. But he doesn’t stop there—he offers thoughtful, evidence-based ideas for both preventing and addressing the problem, all rooted in helping people form strong, real-life connections in a world where that feels increasingly rare.

I’m convinced people kept recommending this book to me because, at its core, The Anxious Generation is about connection. And that’s exactly what drives the mission behind Wellness and Wonder: creating opportunities for people to come together in community spaces. Forming authentic relationships with those around us strengthens mental health, builds resilience, and helps raise happier, more grounded kids.

Have you read The Anxious Generation? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear what resonated with you.

Stay well,

Kendra