Episode 206: ‘Adolescence’ / Teenagers and Screens

Today, Asif and Ali discuss the phenomenal Netflix series ‘Adolescence’ (1:28). They discuss the creation of the film and how star and co-creator Stephen Graham came up with the concept for the show to address misogyny and knife violence in the UK.  The guys discuss incel culture, the book ‘The Game’ and Andrew Tate and how adolescence tackles these concepts. They then discuss the direction of the series, with each episode being filmed in one take. Then then discuss the tremendous acting in the series, including newcomer Owen Cooper. 

 

Then they discuss the effects of social media on teenagers (24:14). They start off by discussing Australia’s new ban on social media for children until 16 as well as Vivek Murthy’s Surgeon General Report from a few years ago on teens and social media. Asif discusses some potential benefits of social media for teens before discussing the potential harms. He then discusses the evidence that is out there regarding whether social media is harmful to teens. Finally the guys go over some practical tips for parents regarding social media and their children. 

 

The opinions expressed are those of the hosts, and do not reflect those of any other organizations. This podcast and website represents the opinions of the hosts. The content here should not be taken as medical advice. The content here is for entertainment and informational purposes only, and because each person is so unique, please consult your healthcare professional for any medical questions. 

 

Music courtesy of Wataboi and 8er41 from Pixabay

 

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Show Notes:

• The Rage of ‘Adolescence’: Inside the Single-Shot Sensation Blowing Up the Manosphere: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-features/adolescence-interview-stephen-graham-owen-cooper-netflix-1236182905/
• ‘We’ve Got to Start Talking About This’: Stephen Graham on Making ‘Adolescence’: https://www.rollingstone.com/tv-movies/tv-movie-features/adolescence-stephen-graham-interview-1235299218/
• How Stephen Graham Carried the Weight of Adolescence: https://www.vulture.com/article/adolescence-stephen-graham-eddie-finale-ending-scene-interview.html
• ‘The younger me would have sat up and nodded’: Adolescence writer Jack Thorne on the insidious appeal of incel culture: https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2025/mar/18/adolescence-writer-jack-thorne-incel-culture-netflix
• The Game at 10: Reflections From a Recovering Pickup Artist: https://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2015/10/neil-strauss-the-game/409789/
• How Social Media Affects Your Teen’s Mental Health: A Parent’s Guide: https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/social-media-teen-mental-health-a-parents-guide
• Tween and teen health: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/tween-and-teen-health/in-depth/teens-and-social-media-use/art-20474437
• Social media brings benefits and risks to teens. Psychology can help identify a path forward: https://www.apa.org/monitor/2023/09/protecting-teens-on-social-media
• Everyone Says Social Media Is Bad for Teens. Proving It Is Another Thing: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/06/17/upshot/social-media-teen-mental-health.html
• The great rewiring: is social media really behind an epidemic of teenage mental illness? https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-024-00902-2