Is there a moral panic happening?

Moral Panic?
BY JOHN STOSSEL

According to psychologist Jonathan Haidt, there has been a decline in mental health. His book, “The Anxious Generation,” has topped The New York Times bestseller list for over a year. Haidt believes that smartphones and social media have fundamentally altered childhood, leading to increased levels of anxiety and depression among young people. This sentiment is echoed by my son, who often references Haidt’s work in discussions with students, parents, and educators regarding the negative impact of social media on children’s self-esteem and interpersonal relationships.

Max Stossel runs a nonprofit called “Social Awakening,” which facilitates conversations about these issues in schools. Many educators have taken steps to address these concerns by prohibiting smartphone use during school hours. However, it is worth considering whether these worries are simply the latest iteration of historical moral panics.

In the past, authorities have expressed alarm over various forms of entertainment. Pinball arcades were targeted by law enforcement on accusations of inciting delinquent behavior. Similarly, comic books came under fire with claims that they were contributing to juvenile delinquency. The pattern of viewing new phenomena through a lens of moral panic has persisted into the present day with concerns about smartphones and social media.

Psychologist Chris Ferguson, a critique of Haidt’s work, acknowledges the potential for overreaction. He points out that indicators of violence, substance abuse, and other risky behaviors have actually decreased among young people in the era of social media and smartphones. Ferguson believes that the current discourse around technology’s effect on youth might be another manifestation of unfounded fears, driven in part by adults seeking to position themselves as protectors against perceived threats.

This tendency to label certain trends or technologies as morally corrupt or dangerous is not new. From campaigns against rock music to efforts to regulate video games, history is replete with examples of societal anxieties that later proved to be unfounded. Tipper Gore famously criticized rock music for promoting violence, while legislators sought to censor musicians like Ozzy Osbourne. However, studies have failed to establish a clear link between these forms of media and negative outcomes in young people.

Haidt’s proposal to restrict social media use until age 16 has prompted debates about the efficacy and feasibility of such measures. Critics argue that enforcing age limits may be ineffective, as young people can easily circumvent these rules. Similar arguments were raised in past debates about regulating alcohol and access to other forms of entertainment.

The parallels between current concerns about smartphones and historical moral panics suggest that a more nuanced approach is needed. While acknowledging legitimate worries about the impact of technology on young people, it is essential to avoid succumbing to alarmism and misinformation. By critically examining the evidence and reframing the conversation around social media, parents and policymakers can better address the complex challenges of the digital age.