Politicians, pundits, and even the surgeon general have been highlighting the risks that social media poses to young people’s mental health. The problem is real—but is it as serious as those caused by cigarettes or drunk driving, and what can be done about it? Host Hanna Rosin talks to the Atlantic tech reporter Kaitlyn Tiffany about what the research actual ... Show More
Nov 6
Will 2026 Be a Fair Fight?
Go ahead, Democrats. Enjoy your victory parties. But after that, brace yourselves, because Republicans may not be playing by the same rules a year from now. Since President Donald Trump took office for his second term—indeed, since his loss in 2020—he has shown his willingness to ... Show More
27m 10s
Nov 2023
Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy: social media and America's youth crisis
Young people were struggling before the pandemic. Today, their mental health challenges are acute—and social media is making it worse. U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy has been sounding the alarm, and he tells Niala Boodhoo: "If we don't do something now, we are at risk of l ... Show More
21m 46s
Jun 2024
America’s Top Doctor on Why He Wants Warning Labels on Social Media
<p><i>Warning: This episode contains mentions of bullying and suicide.</i></p><p>A rising tide of mental health problems among teenagers has sent parents, teachers and doctors searching for answers. This week, the U.S. surgeon general, Dr. Vivek H. Murthy, offered one: social med ... Show More
32m 23s
May 2023
How social media affects teens’ mental health, with Jacqueline Nesi, PhD
Congress and state legislators are considering laws to restrict teen social media use, and school districts are suing social media companies for harming kids’ mental health. Are parents and policy makers right to be so concerned? Jacqueline Nesi, PhD, of Brown University, talks a ... Show More
32m 20s
May 2022
Social Media and our Brains with CNN’s Chasing Life
“Is social media bad for our brains?” asks Dr. Sanjay Gupta of CNN’s Chasing Life. Dr. Gupta, CNN’s Chief Medical Correspondent talks about social media and how, while it can be a place for community and entertainment, it can also be harmful for our mental health. He speaks to so ... Show More
27m 16s
Jun 2024
Is the smartphone panic dumb?
Surgeon General Vivek H, Murthy recommended putting a warning on social media for minors last week, while governors from coast to coast have pushed for restrictions on teen phone use. But how worried should we really be, and what is there to do about it? Post columnists Amanda Ri ... Show More
22m 55s