Episode Summary: "What Experts Really Think About Smartphones and Mental Health"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Plain English with Derek Thompson
• Host/Author: The Ringer
• Episode: What Experts Really Think About Smartphones and Mental Health
• Release Date: June 4, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of Plain English with Derek Thompson, host Derek Thompson delves into the contentious debate surrounding the impact of smartphones and social media on mental health. With rising concerns and polarized opinions, Thompson brings in Jay Van Bavel, a professor of psychology and neuroscience at New York University, to discuss a groundbreaking study that surveys over 200 experts to uncover the true consensus in the field.

The Consensus Project

[07:00] Jay Van Bavel: “We wanted to see if we could get a consensus among experts on the real impacts of social media and smartphones on mental health.”

Jay Van Bavel, along with his collaborator Valerio Capraro, initiated what Jonathan Haidt termed the "largest ever expert survey" to assess the collective stance of psychologists and sociologists on the relationship between smartphone use, social media, and mental health. The motivation behind this ambitious project was to move beyond sensational headlines and polarized debates, aiming instead to present a nuanced and evidence-based understanding.

Methodology

[09:20] Jay Van Bavel: “We built a diverse group of experts, including critics of prominent claims, to ensure a balanced perspective.”

The team began by compiling a comprehensive list of claims about smartphones and mental health, drawing initially from Haidt's bestseller "The Anxious Generation." They expanded this list by incorporating additional claims and inviting a broad spectrum of experts to participate. Through rigorous surveys and iterative discussions—a process known as the Delphi method—the researchers sought to achieve over 90% consensus on each claim. This involved refining and rephrasing statements to accommodate diverse viewpoints.

Key Findings

Areas of Strong Consensus

[16:01] Jay Van Bavel: “Sleep deprivation can reduce mental health.” ([16:01])

One of the most unanimous agreements among experts was the detrimental impact of sleep deprivation on mental health, with nearly 100% consensus affirming its truth. Similarly, there was substantial agreement that social isolation negatively affects mental well-being.

Areas of Controversy

[17:32] Jay Van Bavel: “One-third of college students prefer social media not to exist.” ([17:32])

Less consensus emerged around specific claims, such as the assertion that a significant portion of college students would prefer the absence of social media. Only about one-third of experts supported this statement, highlighting the complexity and variability of social media’s impact.

Exposure to Mental Disorders

[40:40] Jay Van Bavel: “Social media may contribute to increased exposure to mental disorders among adolescent girls.” ([40:40])

A notable consensus (96% agreement) was found regarding the increased exposure to discussions about mental disorders through social media platforms, particularly among adolescent girls. Experts debated the implications, suggesting both positive aspects like increased awareness and potential negatives like normalization of mental health issues.

Expert Reactions and Methodological Challenges

Inclusion of Critics

[23:15] Jay Van Bavel: “We made a conscious effort to include critics throughout the process to ensure a balanced consensus.” ([23:15])

The study intentionally included experts with varying perspectives, including prominent critics of Haidt’s work. Despite these efforts, some critics declined to participate, which Jay attributes to the challenging nature of achieving consensus in a polarized field.

Backlash and Polarization

[52:28] Jay Van Bavel: “We were surprised by the intense backlash on social media, even though the consensus was clear.” ([52:28])

Upon publication, the study faced significant criticism on social media platforms, particularly from individuals on both ends of the spectrum—those advocating for stronger regulations on social media and those dismissing its harms. This backlash highlighted the inherent challenges of conveying scientific consensus in an environment prone to extreme and polarized opinions.

Implications for Parents and Policymakers

Delaying Smartphone Use

[50:46] Jay Van Bavel: “The evidence on delaying smartphone use until high school is mixed, and more research is needed.” ([50:46])

While a majority (68%) of experts leaned towards the belief that delaying smartphone use could improve mental health, the evidence remains inconclusive. Jay emphasizes the need for more robust studies, such as randomized controlled trials, to provide clearer guidance for parents and policymakers.

Balanced Usage

[32:50] Jay Van Bavel: “The impact of social media depends largely on how it is used—actively for relationship building or passively through doom scrolling.” ([32:50])

Experts agree that not all smartphone and social media use is detrimental. Active engagement fostering meaningful connections can have positive effects, whereas passive consumption often leads to negative mental health outcomes. This distinction is crucial for developing balanced usage guidelines.

Conclusions and Future Directions

[63:10] Jay Van Bavel: “Despite the challenges, the consensus points towards a nuanced understanding of social media's impact, and ongoing research is essential.” ([63:10])

The study underscores the complexity of the relationship between technology and mental health. While certain negative impacts are widely recognized, the overall effects are multifaceted and dependent on various factors including usage patterns and individual differences. Jay remains optimistic about future research efforts to further elucidate these dynamics and inform effective policies.

Notable Quotes

• Jay Van Bavel at [07:21]: “Jonathan Haidt also has a number of prominent critics in the literature. If you're up for it, it might be worth bringing on some of those critics and seeing if we can find what the consensus is between a really diverse group of experts.”

• Jay Van Bavel at [16:01]: “One-third of college students prefer social media not to exist. Well, that's just a single paper. Not a lot of our experts had actually read it.”

• Jay Van Bavel at [50:46]: “The area where we found some of the least consensus is in the policy prescriptions about what to do... We don't yet know what works or what doesn't.”

• Jay Van Bavel at [63:10]: “The consensus points towards a nuanced understanding of social media's impact, and ongoing research is essential.”

Final Thoughts

This episode of Plain English with Derek Thompson offers a comprehensive and balanced exploration of the expert consensus on smartphones and mental health. By highlighting both areas of agreement and ongoing debates, Thompson and Van Bavel provide listeners with a deeper understanding of the complexities involved. The study serves as a crucial step towards demystifying the often polarized discourse, emphasizing the importance of continued research and informed dialogue in navigating the digital age's challenges.