The Disembodied Disconnect Hypothesis: How Online Interactions Undermine Neurobiological Foundations of Social Cohesion

In his book “The Anxious Generation”, Jonathan Haidt suggests that digital technologies are rewiring children's brains and causing a mental illness epidemic. However, as noted by different colleagues, this claim is not supported by scientific evidence. In general, most available data are correlational, and when researchers find causal effects, they are small or inconclusive. As the debate on the neurodevelopmental impact of digital technologies persists, we introduce the "Disembodied Disconnect Hypothesis." This perspective posits that social media and digital platforms are fundamentally altering the landscape of human sociality without necessarily rewiring cognitive structures. We argue that while these technologies offer novel avenues for interaction and community-building, they significantly differ from traditional, embodied forms of social engagement. This disembodied nature of digital interactions may exacerbate existing social inequalities and mental health issues, particularly for those already struggling with loneliness and social anxiety.