The American Dream Lecture Series: Jonathan Haidt on Social Media and the Fragmentation of American Life

In 2012, Mark Zuckerberg proclaimed his hope that Facebook would “rewire the way people spread and consume information” and transform “many of our core institutions and industries.” Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and other social media platforms have since undeniably shaped modern society, but many argue that in the process they have contributed to the fragmentation of American culture and politics. How did this happen? What habits of mind and behavior has social media shaped to damage the health of American people and institutions? Can we individually or institutionally mitigate these negative impacts?

Join us for the fourth lecture in the American Dream Lecture Series as New York University’s Jonathan Haidt discusses how social media has warped American life and how we can overcome its pernicious influence, followed by a conversation with AEI’s Christine Rosen. Copies of his forthcoming book, The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness, will be available.

Submit questions to Noah.Rosenfield@aei.org.

Agenda

5:00 p.m.
Introduction:
Christopher J. Scalia, Senior Fellow, American Enterprise Institute

5:05 p.m.
Remarks:
Jonathan Haidt, Thomas Cooley Professor of Ethical Leadership, New York University

5:25 p.m.
Conversation:
Jonathan Haidt, Thomas Cooley Professor of Ethical Leadership, New York University
Christine Rosen, Senior Fellow, American Enterprise Institute

5:50 p.m.
Q&A

6:15 p.m.
Adjournment

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