The toll of social media, economic uncertainty, and mental health are among the primary concerns of young people today, according to recent ConVal graduates Clara Wilsher, Ava Cronin and Hadley Bates, who were the speakers at the Aug. 1 Monadnock Lyceum.
The Lyceum was moderated by ConVal social studies teacher Eric Bowman, who taught all three graduates.
Wilsher, Cronin and Bates all addressed social media addiction, which is linked to the ongoing mental health crisis in youth.
Wilsher cited data from Jonathan Haidt’s 2024 book, “The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness,” as well as experiences from her own life, to attest to the effect of social media.
“We often hear that our generation is lazy,” Wilsher said. “But young people are not lazy. They are addicted, and they need support. When I was younger, my 4-year-old sister would throw a fit, screaming and crying, if my parents tried to take her tablet away, and I had to wonder, was this the start of an addiction for her?”
Wilsher said constant exposure to social media causes great anxiety in young people.
“Social media lowers self-esteem and self-confidence. Seeing other people’s perfect lives and perfect looks — which are photoshopped — is harmful,” Wilsher said. “I always have the urge to open my Instagram account, and if I do, I will start to feel bad about myself — I will see people who are doing better than me, and I will start to get depressed.”
Cronin agreed on the harmful impact of social media but also pointed out the ways social media can be positive.
“Social media also connects people, it allows them to share skills and educational content, to connect with communities, and to find others who share the same passions. People can share encouragement and support as well,” Cronin said.
Bates said she feels social media has impacted her generation’s interpersonal skills.
“Teen interactions with others are significantly impeded. They can’t look people in the eye. It has replaced social interactions. Many times, we just all silently sit together, absorbed in our phones, but it’s not relaxing. It’s only further stimulating. It lowers our attention spans, we have greater difficulty concentrating, and it is so addicting that it is hard to stop,” she said.
All three teens also spoke about the need for their generation to cope with rapid, unpredictable change.
“Economy and tech are constantly changing, and we’re standing at the edge of adulthood trying to navigate an uncertain future. We’re facing economic instability. We’re facing increasing rent and housing costs, and wages are not keeping up. Our generation is wondering, will we ever be able to own a home? Will we be able to support a family?” Cronin said.
Despite the challenges facing Gen Z, all three speakers talked about how proud they were of their generation and expressed dismay that their age group is frequently stereotyped.
“Our generation is judged on stereotypes rather than accomplishments. When I asked people what they think of our generation, they said we’re ‘glued to our phones, unmotivated and overly sensitive,’” Cronin said. “It was difficult to hear so many people dismiss an entire generation, because this is not the generation I know. When I think about my classmates working hard, studying, volunteering, participating in clubs, playing sports, helping their families — our potential is judged before our character or our actions.”
Cronin, Bates and Wilsher remain optimistic about their generation’s ability to make positive change in the future.
“I believe we have the opportunity to change the narrative through the way we live, work and treat others. I believe we can leave a lasting impact for the difference we choose to make,” Cronin said.
Bates said she is encouraged by her age group’s engagement with current events.
“I am astonished by how much my peers know about the government, and by how engaged they are. My peers are a constant source of inspiration in my life. They truly care about others and humanity, and I am in awe of the tremendous potential they have on the future,” Bates said.
All three women also said they are encouraged by progress that has been made in mental health.
“There has also been significant progress in mental health. Seeking support is seen as a sign of courage rather than weakness. It is all about finding healthier ways to manage stress and build resilience. Taking care of your mental health should be valued as much as achievements,” Bates said.
For more information about the Monadnock Lyceum or to watch a full recording of an event, visit monadnocklyceum.org.
