The Anxious Generation

This year, the iPhone celebrates its official 18th birthday since it was first unveiled back in 2007. In that short span of time, smartphones have become the predominant form of technology for most of the world, with 4.8 billion devices currently active and in use globally. The rise of the smartphone has spurred on a technological revolution that has impacted nearly every part of our lives. 

For most of us, however, this revolution took place after our key developmental years in adolescence. Though these technologies have impacted us, they have done so in limited ways because our core social, emotional, and cognitive development was completed. (And these impacts can still be very harmful!!!) The very important question of how this technological age impacts developing teenagers remains unanswered. That is, until now. 

Over the last few years, newly completed research studies have been analyzing the impact of technology and social media on developing teens and the results are not good at all. We are seeing harmful trends with massive impacts that warrant our concern as a society in order to make needed changes. 

Below, you will find the video recording of this important event as well as some recommended resources and next steps for you as we seek to be faithful Christians in this area.

As you seek to grow more in your understanding of this important issue, we would recommend the following resources to consider...

- The Wolf in Their Pockets by Chris Martin

- The Tech Exit: A Practical Guide to Freeing Kids and Teens from Smartphones by Clare Morell

- The Shallows: What the Internet Is Doing to Our Brains by Nicholas Carr

- The Tech-Wise Family: Everyday Steps for Putting Technology in Its Proper Place by Andy Crouch

- 12 Ways Your Phone Is Changing You by Tony Reinke

- Digital Liturgies: Rediscovering Christian Wisdom in an Online Age by Samuel James

In addition to these resources, here is a downloadable PDF of the presentation.

We hope this conversation and suggested resources help aid you in your understanding of this topic, but more importantly to fall more in love with King Jesus.