However, Dr. Leonard Sax, a renowned physician, psychologist, and author, offers a different perspective. He suggests that the root of the problem lies not in social media itself, but in the toxic culture it propagates.
According to The Blaze, Dr. Sax notes a peculiar trend: the rise in adolescent depression and anxiety is predominantly observed in English-speaking countries such as the United States, Canada, Great Britain, and Australia. "Kids in Greece, kids in Russia are just as likely to have smartphones and just as likely to be on social media, but the rise in anxiety and depression has not been seen there," he explains. This discrepancy, he believes, is due to the toxicity of American and English-speaking culture.
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Dr. Sax argues that while smartphones and social media are vectors spreading this toxic culture, they are not the root cause. He asserts, “What is toxic about American culture, about English-speaking culture — is driving this rise in anxiety and depression.” The question then arises: what exactly is toxic about English-speaking culture?
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Dr. Sax points to a study conducted by UCLA, which analyzed popular TV shows marketed to children and teens every decade starting from 1967. The study found that up until 1997, shows like “The Andy Griffith Show,” “Happy Days,” “Family Ties,” and “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” all communicated the same message: the importance of doing the right thing. However, by 2007, this message was replaced by the idea that winning and being famous were the most important things, as seen in shows like “American Idol” and "Survivor". Dr. Sax explains this cultural shift, stating, “Doing the right thing — that’s gonna get you voted off the island.”
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The transformation of American culture, according to Dr. Sax, can be attributed to three main factors. Firstly, social media has altered the perception of greatness among today's youth. Dr. Sax says, “Social media transformed American culture. Suddenly it became all about having likes and followers.” This has led to a “culture of envy” that fosters discontent and resentment, contributing to the rise in mental health issues among adolescents. He contrasts this with the past, when greatness was associated with values, as encapsulated in Martin Luther King Jr.’s quote: “Anybody can be great because anybody can serve.”
Secondly, Dr. Sax identifies a culture of disrespect that has become normalized in modern society. He points to popular shows on the Disney Channel and songs like Lil Nas X’s “Old Town Road” that promote defiance and disrespect. This attitude, he says, “breaks the bonds across generations,” making kids less likely to attend church and less interested in spending time with older people who have wisdom to offer.
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Lastly, Dr. Sax discusses the phenomenon of 'Normophobia,' where being normal is feared and seen as boring. He notes that today's girls and young women often label themselves as having depression, anxiety, or even being transgender. He quotes C.S. Lewis’ “The Magician’s Nephew,” saying, “'Now the trouble about trying to make yourself stupider than you really are is that you very often succeed.'” Dr. Sax explains that girls today are “substituting anxious or depressed for ‘stupider,’” and this belief can lead to actual conditions.
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Dr. Sax's insights offer a fresh perspective on the mental health crisis among American youth, highlighting the role of cultural factors in shaping this trend. His research underscores the need for a broader understanding of the issue, beyond simply blaming social media. It also emphasizes the importance of fostering a culture that values respect, service, and wisdom, rather than fame and defiance.
