[Rebroadcast] How to Help the Anxious Generation Thrive

About this episode

Sharif and Dr. Kevin Majeres discuss the book 'The Anxious Generation' and its implications for youth anxiety and engagement with the real world.

#296: In this episode, Sharif and Dr. Kevin Majeres review the book “The Anxious Generation” by Jonathan Haidt. “The Anxious Generation” attributes the skyrocketing levels of anxiety among youth, particularly Gen Z, in large part to the widespread use of smartphones and social media. The negative effects of smartphones include social disconnection, sleep deprivation, attentional problems, and addiction. Haidt recommends dramatically restricting kids’ access to the “virtual world,” while also encouraging them to engage more with the real world. Sharif and Dr. Majeres summarize Haidt’s insights and show how they connect to key OptimalWork concepts like challenge and ideals. Find more at https://OptimalWork.com

People in this episode

Host: Sharif

Guest: Dr. Kevin Majeres

Topics covered

• anxiety
• Gen Z
• smartphones
• social media
• mental health
• OptimalWork concepts

Keywords

• anxiety
• Gen Z
• smartphones
• social media
• mental health
• real world engagement
• OptimalWork

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: The Anxious Generation

More episodes of The OptimalWork Podcast

• [Rebroadcast] The Ultimate Guide to Complaining · June 8, 2026 · 30 min
• [Rebroadcast] Equipping Yourself to Engage Challenge · June 1, 2026 · 28 min
• [Rebroadcast] Why Self-Efficacy is More Important than Self-Esteem · May 25, 2026 · 27 min
• [Rebroadcast] Reviewing Cal Newport’s “Slow Productivity” · May 18, 2026 · 34 min
• [Rebroadcast] Mindset Mistakes that Sabotage Success · May 11, 2026 · 34 min
• 298. When Abstention Becomes the Measure · May 4, 2026 · 32 min