A paradigm shift, in layman’s terms, is a change in the general thoughts and behavior of a population. The advent of smartphones has certainly caused a shift between the latest generation and those preceding it.

Teen behaviors have changed radically. In person, or even verbal, social activity has taken a precipitous fall and so have the other behaviors which enabled it. Teens growing up in the 2010’s drive much less and above 10% more cannot drive at all. Fewer high schoolers go on dates, have sex, or hang out with friends on a regular basis. These formerly commonplace activities are becoming ever rarer because of the more convenient, less stimulating option of text and Snapchat.

Along with these alarming behavioral alterations, have come changes in mindset. Depression and loneliness are common companions for today’s teens. In the past, the companionship of physical contact with friends and loved ones served to boost a teen’s psyche. Today, all of the time spent alone in a room with a phone is taking its toll. Since 2005, 6% more teens have reported feeling lonely on a consistent basis and a similar number report increased sleep deprivation. The rise in depression is also evident through the rapidly rising suicide rates.

The whole model of adolescence has changed. In the 1980’s, flicks representing the teen experience were Ferris Bueller’s Day Off and The Breakfast Club. Today, we have 13 Reasons Why. The fact that millions of modern teens can relate more to a story of suicide than whimsy is a frightening departure from the norms of past generations.

The smartphone undoubtedly engendered a paradigm shift of social expression between generations. Teens do not only engage in fewer physical interactions; they are worse at having them. The way we approach relationships is fundamentally different. Despite being constantly connected to friends, children have never felt more alone.