The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness – Jonathan Haidt
After more than a decade of stability or improvement, the mental health of adolescents plunged in the early 2010s. Rates of depression, anxiety, self-harm, and suicide rose sharply, more than doubling on many measures. Why?
In The Anxious Generation, social psychologist Jonathan Haidt lays out the facts about the epidemic of teen mental illness that hit many countries at the same time. He then investigates the nature of childhood, including why children need play and independent exploration to mature into competent, thriving adults. Haidt shows how the “play-based childhood” began to decline in the 1980s, and how it was finally wiped out by the arrival of the “phone-based childhood” in the early 2010s. He presents more than a dozen mechanisms by which this “great rewiring of childhood” has interfered with children’s social and neurological development, covering everything from sleep deprivation to attention fragmentation, addiction, loneliness, social contagion, social comparison, and perfectionism. He explains why social media damages girls more than boys and why boys have been withdrawing from the real world into the virtual world, with disastrous consequences for themselves, their families, and their societies.
Most important, Haidt issues a clear call to action. He diagnoses the “collective action problems” that trap us, and then proposes four simple rules that might set us free. He describes steps that parents, teachers, schools, tech companies, and governments can take to end the epidemic of mental illness and restore a more humane childhood.
Haidt has spent his career speaking truth backed by data in the most difficult landscapes—communities polarized by politics and religion, campuses battling culture wars, and now the public health emergency faced by Gen Z. We cannot afford to ignore his findings about protecting our children—and ourselves—from the psychological damage of a phone-based life.
Held annually on December 10th to commemorate the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948, Human Rights Day was established to mark the adoption of the landmark document, drafted in the aftermath of World War II, set out for the first time the fundamental human rights to be universally protected.
The horrors of World War II, including the Holocaust and other atrocities, highlighted the need for a universal framework to protect human rights. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights set out, for the first time, fundamental human rights to be universally protected.
The UDHR consists of 30 articles affirming an individual’s rights. These include the right to life, liberty, and security of person; freedom from torture and degrading treatment; the right to equality before the law; freedom of belief and religion; freedom of opinion and expression; the right to work and education; and the right to health and well-being. The declaration has been translated into over 500 languages, making it the most translated document in the world.
Human Rights Day serves several important purposes. The day helps educate the public about human rights issues and challenges around the world. It provides a platform for human rights advocates to push for policy changes and improved protections. Human Rights Day celebrates the progress made in advancing human rights globally. It encourages reflection on the state of human rights and areas where improvement is needed. The day unites people worldwide in the cause of promoting and protecting human rights.
Understanding the current state of human rights globally provides context for the importance of Human Rights Day. While progress has been made since the adoption of the UDHR, significant challenges remain. Many countries still struggle with issues such as freedom of expression, assembly, and fair trials. Poverty, lack of access to education and healthcare, and cultural discrimination persist in many parts of the world. Gender inequality, violence against women, and discrimination continue to be global issues. Child labour, lack of access to education, and child marriage remain significant problems in many regions. Many countries still criminalise same-sex relationships, and discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals is widespread. The global refugee crisis and treatment of migrants continue to pose human rights challenges. Indigenous peoples often face discrimination and struggle to protect their lands and cultures. Issues of privacy, surveillance, and online freedom of expression are growing concerns. Climate change and environmental degradation increasingly impact human rights, particularly for vulnerable populations.
The United Nations plays a crucial role in promoting and protecting human rights globally. Established in 1993, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is the leading UN entity on human rights. It supports the work of UN human rights mechanisms, including the Human Rights Council and the core treaty bodies. Created in 2006, the Human Rights Council is an inter-governmental body responsible for strengthening the promotion and protection of human rights around the world.
Despite progress, numerous challenges to human rights persist globally. The rise of authoritarian regimes in various parts of the world threatens civil and political rights. Economic inequality continues to undermine social and economic rights. Various forms of discrimination based on race, gender, sexual orientation, and other factors persist. Ongoing conflicts in various regions lead to severe human rights violations. Environmental degradation and climate change increasingly impact human rights, particularly for vulnerable populations. The misuse of technology for surveillance and control threatens privacy and freedom of expression. The spread of misinformation and hate speech online poses challenges to human rights. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted and exacerbated existing human rights issues.
Human rights education is crucial for creating a culture that respects and promotes human rights. These include integrating human rights education into school curricula at all levels, providing human rights training for professionals such as law enforcement officers, healthcare workers, and educators, conducting campaigns to educate the general public about human rights, implementing community-based programs that promote human rights awareness and activism, and developing and disseminating online resources for human rights education.
Human Rights Day serves as a powerful reminder of the universal values enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the ongoing struggle to realise these rights for all people. As we face complex global challenges, from climate change to technological disruption, the principles outlined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights remain as relevant as ever. Human Rights Day reminds us that respect for human dignity, equality, and justice must be at the core of our responses to these challenges. By promoting human rights education, supporting civil society organizations, engaging businesses in human rights responsibilities, and leveraging technology for positive change, we can work towards a world where the rights of all individuals are respected and protected.
Human Rights Day is not just a day of commemoration, but a call to action. It challenges each of us to stand up for our rights and the rights of others, to speak out against injustice, and to work towards a world where the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights are realized for everyone, everywhere.
Your Face Belongs to Us: A Secretive Startup’s Quest to End Privacy as We Know It – Kashmir Hill
New York Times tech reporter Kashmir Hill was skeptical when she got a tip about a mysterious app called Clearview AI that claimed it could, with 99 percent accuracy, identify anyone based on just one snapshot of their face. The app could supposedly scan a face and, in just seconds, surface every detail of a person’s online their name, social media profiles, friends and family members, home address, and photos that they might not have even known existed. If it was everything it claimed to be, it would be the ultimate surveillance tool, and it would open the door to everything from stalking to totalitarian state control. Could it be true?
In this riveting account, Hill tracks the improbable rise of Clearview AI, helmed by Hoan Ton-That, an Australian computer engineer, and Richard Schwartz, a former Rudy Giuliani advisor, and its astounding collection of billions of faces from the internet. The company was boosted by a cast of controversial characters, including conservative provocateur Charles C. Johnson and billionaire Donald Trump backer Peter Thiel—who all seemed eager to release this society-altering technology on the public. Google and Facebook decided that a tool to identify strangers was too radical to release, but Clearview forged ahead, sharing the app with private investors, pitching it to businesses, and offering it to thousands of law enforcement agencies around the world.
Facial recognition technology has been quietly growing more powerful for decades. This technology has already been used in wrongful arrests in the United States. Unregulated, it could expand the reach of policing, as it has in China and Russia, to a terrifying, dystopian level.
Your Face Belongs to Us is a gripping true story about the rise of a technological superpower and an urgent warning that, in the absence of vigilance and government regulation, Clearview AI is one of many new technologies that challenge what Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis once called “the right to be let alone.”
In a world where safety and security are paramount concerns for travellers, a recent study by Forbes Advisor has crowned Singapore as the safest city for tourists in 2024. The comprehensive analysis, which evaluated 60 major cities across the globe, placed the island nation at the top of the list, thanks to its exceptionally low risks in areas such as crime, healthcare, infrastructure, and digital security.
As the world gradually recovers from the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the tourism industry is poised for a resurgence. Travellers, more than ever, are prioritising safety and security when planning their trips. Forbes Advisor’s study, which delved into key metrics such as health security, crime risk, infrastructure security, digital security, personal safety, travel safety, and natural disaster risk, provides valuable insights for those seeking the most secure destinations for their next adventure.
Singapore’s top ranking in the Forbes Advisor study is a testament to its unwavering commitment to maintaining a safe and secure environment for its citizens and visitors alike. The city-state’s strict laws, low crime rates, and geographical location near the equator contribute significantly to its exceptional safety record.
One of the most notable factors in Singapore’s favour is its remarkably low risk of natural disasters. As an island nation, Singapore is largely shielded from the threat of typhoons, earthquakes, and other natural calamities that often plague other regions. This stability provides a sense of reassurance for travellers, who can explore the city without the constant worry of unexpected disruptions. Singapore’s healthcare system is widely regarded as one of the best in the world. The country’s hospitals are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and staffed by highly skilled medical professionals. This robust infrastructure ensures that visitors can access quality medical care if needed without compromising their safety or well-being. In addition to its physical security, Singapore also excels in digital safety. The study assessed digital security risks based on the ability to use the internet without fear of online threats or privacy breaches. Singapore ranked second in this category, reflecting its strong measures to protect online users and maintain digital privacy.
While Singapore undoubtedly shines as the safest destination for tourists, it is not alone in its commitment to providing a secure environment for travelers. The Forbes Advisor study also recognised Tokyo and Toronto as the next safest cities in the world.
Tokyo, Japan’s capital, secured the second spot on the list. The city’s top ranking in health security highlights the exceptional quality of its healthcare services, while its fifth-lowest infrastructure security risk further supports its status as a safe destination. Tokyo’s strong performance in these areas, combined with its vibrant culture and rich history, make it an attractive choice for tourists seeking a balance of safety and excitement.
Toronto, Canada’s largest city, rounds out the top three safest destinations. The city’s overall safety is bolstered by its robust infrastructure and low crime rates. Toronto also received the highest travel safety rating from the U.S. Department of State, indicating that it is a secure and stable destination for visitors.
While Singapore, Tokyo, and Toronto stand out as the top three safest cities for tourists, the Forbes Advisor study also highlighted several other destinations that excel in providing a secure environment for travellers. Sydney, Australia, and Zurich, Switzerland, ranked fourth and fifth, respectively, on the list. Sydney’s low digital security risk and strong infrastructure make it an appealing choice for tech-savvy travellers, while Zurich’s low natural disaster risk and crime rates contribute to its overall safety.
Copenhagen, Denmark, and Seoul, South Korea, also made it into the top 10, showcasing the commitment of Scandinavian and Asian nations to ensuring the safety and well-being of their visitors. Osaka, Japan, and Melbourne, Australia, rounded out the list, demonstrating the strong performance of Japan and Australia in providing secure destinations for tourists.
While the Forbes Advisor study highlighted the safest cities for tourists, it also revealed the stark contrast between the most secure and least secure destinations. At the bottom of the list, Caracas, Venezuela, emerged as the riskiest city for travellers. Caracas faces a multitude of challenges that contribute to its high risk status. The city grapples with severe health and crime risks, further exacerbated by inadequate healthcare services and infrastructure. The U.S. Department of State has issued a Level 4 travel advisory for Caracas, strongly discouraging travel to the city due to the high risks of crime, civil unrest, and poor medical facilities.
Karachi, Pakistan, follows closely behind Caracas as the second most dangerous city for tourists. The city faces a high personal security risk, with the U.S. Department of State issuing a Level 3 travel advisory that urges travellers to reconsider visiting due to the threat of terrorism and ongoing violence from extremist groups. Yangon, Myanmar, ranked third among the riskiest cities for tourists, followed by Lagos, Nigeria, and Manila, Philippines. These cities face a combination of challenges, including political instability, high crime rates, and poor infrastructure, making them less attractive destinations for travellers seeking a safe and secure experience.
The Forbes Advisor study highlights the critical importance of safety and security in the tourism industry. As travellers become more discerning and conscious of the risks associated with their destinations, cities that prioritise safety and security are likely to attract more visitors and thrive in the post-pandemic era. Safety is not only a key factor in attracting tourists but also in ensuring their overall satisfaction and well-being during their stay. When travellers feel secure and confident in their surroundings, they are more likely to fully immerse themselves in the local culture, engage in activities, and create lasting memories. A city’s reputation for safety can have far-reaching economic implications. Tourists who feel safe and secure are more likely to spend more money on local businesses, contributing to the city’s economic growth and development. Conversely, destinations with a poor safety record may struggle to attract visitors, leading to a decline in tourism revenue and investment.
The Forbes Advisor study provides valuable insights for the tourism industry, highlighting the need for cities to prioritise safety and security in their development strategies. As the world emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic, travellers are likely to be more cautious and selective in their choices, making safety a top priority. For destinations looking to attract more tourists, investing in robust safety measures, such as improved infrastructure, enhanced security protocols, and better healthcare facilities, can be a game-changer. By demonstrating a commitment to safety, cities can differentiate themselves from their competitors and appeal to a wider range of travellers.
The study underscores the importance of collaboration between governments, tourism boards, and local communities in ensuring the safety and security of visitors. By working together, these stakeholders can develop comprehensive strategies that address the unique challenges faced by their destinations and provide a seamless and secure experience for tourists.
Singapore’s top ranking in the Forbes Advisor study is a testament to its ongoing success in the tourism industry. The city-state has long been recognised as a safe and stable destination, attracting millions of visitors each year with its diverse attractions, world-class infrastructure, and vibrant culture. As Singapore continues to navigate the challenges posed by the pandemic, its commitment to safety and security will undoubtedly be a key factor in its recovery and future growth. By maintaining its high standards and adapting to the evolving needs of travellers, Singapore can solidify its position as the premier destination for tourists seeking a safe and enjoyable experience. Singapore’s success can serve as a model for other cities aspiring to create safe and secure environments for their visitors. By learning from Singapore’s best practices and adapting them to their unique contexts, destinations around the world can work towards creating a more equitable and sustainable tourism industry that prioritises the well-being of both travellers and local communities.
In a world where safety and security are paramount concerns for travellers, the Forbes Advisor study serves as a valuable resource for those seeking the safest destinations for their next adventure. By ranking Singapore as the world’s safest city for tourists, the study highlights the importance of prioritising safety in the tourism industry and provides a roadmap for other cities looking to create secure environments for their visitors. As the tourism industry continues to evolve in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for safe and secure destinations will only become more pressing. Cities that invest in robust safety measures, collaborate with stakeholders, and adapt to the changing needs of travellers will be well-positioned to thrive in the years to come.
American naturalist, philosopher, and writer Henry David Thoreau captures altruism’s profound beauty and impact. At its core, it reminds us that life’s truest fulfilment often comes from making a difference in the lives of others. This sentiment stands out as a call to put others’ happiness and well-being at the forefront in a world that frequently prioritises individual achievements, possessions, and personal success. Thoreau’s message also speaks to the notion that beauty is not limited to appearances or material things but can be found in our actions and intentions. Compassionate acts, regardless of size, can uplift others, and even a single person’s efforts to bring positivity can create ripples that influence an entire community. Ultimately, Thoreau suggests that there’s a special kind of beauty in this act of service and generosity. In seeking to make life better for others, we discover a deeper connection to the world around us, experiencing firsthand how powerful compassion and empathy can be.
Later in the week, I will be travelling to India to visit my parents and I am super excited about the trip. I have paused my job search till the new year as nothing has come up and I want to take this time to re-evaluate my choices and figure out what I really want.
I’ve managed to finish my year’s reading target and as of today, I have read 53 books, one more than what I set out to read. I hope to read some more during this month, especially while in India when I will have time on my hands.
I haven’t been walking as much since November because of my ankle pain. I am also taking it easy until I see the specialist because I don’t want to make a potentially severe issue worse. So as of the end of November, I have finished my circuit of India, having crossed my home in Mumbai as well as the retirement home in Bangalore my parents now live in and after taking the east coast road, have crossed into Myanmar from Manipur. My walk met my incoming route near Siliguri and I crossed into Myanmar from the same place I entered India and Manipur, at Moreh. I am about 200 km north of Mandalay and after Myanmar, I still have Thailand and Malaysia to cover before I reach home, another 3,000 plus km and a year’s worth of walking.
And on that note, see you next week in India! Enjoy the holidays and stay positive and keep smiling!
Memories and Such 