The Psychology of Anxiety

Jonathan Haidt’s book, The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness, compellingly explores how to reclaim life for people across all generations. These powerful insights form the basis of Episode 7 of our podcast, Stuck in the Middle. We engaged in a thought-provoking discussion with psychiatrist Dr. Mastura Romly, Dean of Psychology, Professor Anasuya Jegathevi Jegathesan, and Student Council Chairman, Hussein Mohamed Abdullahi from the University of Cyberjaya.

The diagnostic manual of psychiatry defines fear as “the emotional response to a real or perceived threat, whereas anxiety is the anticipation of a future threat.” While healthy responses to fear and anxiety are natural, they become disorders when these responses are excessive and interfere with daily life. Haidt categorizes these disorders into two types: internalizing and externalizing. Internalizing disorders manifest as anxiety and depression, leading to emotions such as fear, sadness, and hopelessness; externalizing disorders, on the other hand, result in behavioral issues like anger, defiance, and violence.

A key question raised during the discussion was whether society is replacing a play-based culture with a phone-based culture. This shift is contributing to foundational harms, including sleep deprivation, social isolation, fragmented attention, and technology addiction, all of which are creating significant challenges for parents, teachers, and students alike. Play, once a cornerstone of childhood development, has often been sacrificed for screen time.

Social psychologist Jean Twenge’s research provides valuable insight into why generations differ, with technology playing a pivotal role in shaping these differences. Twenge argues that smartphones are a primary driver of the surge in mental health issues among young people. She describes two major waves of technological influence: the first marked by the rise of personal computers and the internet, and the second defined by smartphones. The pervasive use of these devices has fundamentally altered how young people socialize, learn, and interact with the world around them.

While much of the data in Haidt's book is centered on American experiences, the rising number of young individuals affected by anxiety and depression worldwide is deeply concerning. This trend signals a global mental health crisis that cannot be ignored. Schools, workplaces, and families are increasingly grappling with the consequences, prompting urgent conversations about how to mitigate the adverse effects of technological overuse.

In an era where employee well-being and the holistic development of children are critical, addressing the root causes of anxiety is imperative. Harris Tristen from the Center for Humane Technology highlights how capturing and maintaining attention has become increasingly challenging due to the omnipresence of screens. The constant competition for attention has profound implications for focus, productivity, and overall mental health.

Today, not owning a smartphone can lead to social shunning or shaming, yet there is a pressing need to find a balance—embracing technology without letting it become a mental health hazard. Several ideas have been proposed to address this challenge: banning smartphones in schools, instituting technology-free weekends, restricting social media access until age 16, promoting phone-free school environments, and encouraging a return to play-based childhoods. Initiatives like “Wait Till 8th,” “Let Us Grow Something,” and outward-bound educational programs are gaining traction as creative solutions.

The podcast discussion underscored the importance of teachers and parents serving as role models and guiding compasses for the younger generation. They play a crucial role in helping children navigate the digital landscape responsibly. By setting boundaries, fostering open communication, and prioritizing meaningful offline interactions, adults can help young people develop a healthier relationship with technology.

Ultimately, the key lies in fostering a balanced approach that integrates the benefits of technology with the fundamental needs for social connection, creativity, and play. The collective efforts of families, educators, policymakers, and mental health professionals are essential to nurturing a generation that can thrive despite the challenges posed by the digital age.

Tune in to this episode of Stuck in the Middle to dive deeper into these ideas and explore strategies for managing anxiety in an increasingly digital world.

To view the podcast visit -? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cO3GbZwvUEo