Mason Simmons > Recent Status Updates

After the doom and gloom of part 3, part 4 feels pretty hopeful. I like how Haidt addresses the idea that it’s too late to do anything serious to curb the effects of the “phone-based childhood.” Comparing it to legislation around cigarettes and other destructive (yet once normal) products paints a hopeful picture that change is possible.

Part 2 done. Haidt essentially makes the case that humans evolved to develop at very specific times, requiring very specific stimuli, that were readily available until smartphones took over our lives. Haidt hopes that modern society will choose to work with the grain of human biology and physiology rather than against it. I wonder how we might evolve to develop differently if no changes are made like Haidt suggests.

Finished Part 1. Haidt makes a compelling case for technological advancements being the cause for widespread decline in adolescent mental illness in the 2010’s. It’s really just an overview and look at the data; seems the rest of the book will focus in-depth on the narrative he believes explains the data. It prompted me to think back on my own adolescence and my relationship to technology in that time (2010’s).

Finished the intro. As Haidt introduces his thesis and roadmap, he exudes confidence in his research and findings tempered with a humble acknowledgement of his limitations and capacity to err in his conclusions. His tone is very inviting. As for the content: “…will we eventually realize… that we sometimes need to protect children from harm even when it inconveniences adults?” This will be good.

Done with part 1. It mostly feels like a lengthy stage-setter. I’m kind of bored with Wax, but Wayne is so interesting! I’m really enjoying his POV. I guess Wax just feels like a fairly one-dimensional protagonist - at least so far. Knowing from the book’s blurb that there is a kandra involved in the crime has me excited, but I wish I was reading not knowing that that was coming.