The Coddling of the American Mind

Based on the same-named book by University of New York social psychology professor Jonathan Haidt and president of the Foundation of Independent Rights and Expression (FIRE) Greg Lukianoff, THE CODDLING OF THE AMERICAN MIND explores why youth mental health and suicide rates have dramatically spiked since 2012. Haidt and Lukianoff surmise that it's the good intentions—and bad ideas—of trusted adults that have led young people to feel fragile and unable to face the world, particularly in the manifestation of social media, overprotective parenting, and DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) programs. They argue that well-meaning adults have trained a generation to see themselves as "fragile," warned them against trusting their feelings, and shared the dangers of an "us versus them" attitude.