Backlash is building against the recent proclamation that smartphones are “destroy[ing] a generation.” Anecdotal evidence and shakily drawn correlations may undermine the assertion that smartphones are to blame for Gen Z’s downfall—or the idea that Gen Z has a downfall at all.

Backlash is building against the recent proclamation that smartphones are “destroy[ing] a generation.” Anecdotal evidence and shakily drawn correlations may undermine the assertion that smartphones are to blame for Gen Z’s downfall—or the idea that Gen Z has a downfall at all. Studies find that today’s teens have lower rates of pregnancies, smoking, drinking, and suicides, while they overall report similar levels of happiness as previous generations. And though smartphone and social media use “may produce distinct psychological and social effects,” many think it’s too early to know what they are. (BuzzFeed)