When teenagers got social media in college (late millennials), it did not appear harmful; but when they got it at ages 11-13 during brain development (iGen/Gen Z), it caused significant harm.

causalpending

Speaker

John Haidt

Evidence Quote

if you get social media in college, it doesn't seem to be bad for your brain. But if you get it at age 11, 12, or 13, now your brain is just beginning to develop

Source

The Coddling of the American Mind moderated by Malcolm GladwellThe 92nd Street Y, New York
Created: 8/11/2026, 1:13:07 AM

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