Bill Gates warns that smartphones and social media are hindering today’s youth from developing essential skills. He fears they miss out on creativity and deep thinking due to excessive screen time, a shift highlighted in Jonathan Haidt’s 2024 book, The Anxious Generation.
Studies show 95% of U.S. teens now use smartphones, leading to increased anxiety, reduced focus, and less free play. Experts recommend delaying smartphone use until age 14, limiting social media until 16, banning phones in schools, and encouraging free play to help youth thrive in the digital age.
