Social psychologist Jonathan Haidt on how smartphones and social media has negatively impacted the mental health of teenagers and how this can be solved.

Concerns over the negative effects of social media have reached a critical point. Headlines now warn "how cellphones are killing our kids" and that smartphones are a "pocket full of poison."

Anxiety and depression are on the rise. The surgeon general has proposed adding warning labels to social media apps, and states are restricting and even banning some platforms like TikTok.

The ancient Jewish holiday of Sukkot began Wednesday evening and is observed for a week. It offers a timely antidote to the global problems of loneliness, depression and materialism.

Social media sends the harmful message that superficial pursuits – such as material acquisition and projecting the "perfect life" – lead to happiness. (Marina Demidiuk/iStock)

Some Christian denominations observe it since Jesus, in John 7, celebrated it, and some believe it even inspired Thanksgiving, which emphasizes gratitude for the harvest season, connection with nature, the divine, and finding joy in life’s simple, meaningful moments.

EXCESSIVE SOCIAL MEDIA USE HAS MANY OF THE SAME EFFECTS AS SUBSTANCE ABUSE, SAYS EXPERT

The core issue isn’t just that social media is shortening our attention spans or........

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