#23 “An Glúin Imníoch (The Anxious Generation)”

Sa chéad eipeasóid de Gaeilge Thar Lear in 2026 — “An Glúin Imníoch (The Anxious Generation)” — déanann Oisín machnamh ar a óige féin agus ar an aistriú ó shaol súgartha lasmuigh go saol atá ag éirí níos digiteach. Pléitear an chaoi ar tháinig consóil cluichí isteach sna seomraí codlata den chéad uair, agus conas a bhí fóin phóca (gan a bheith cliste!) ina siombail neamhspleáchais ó thuismitheoirí — seachas an “ghaiste” a mbíonn siad inniu do go leor daoine óga.

Bunaithe ar an leabhar The Anxious Generation le Jonathan Haidt, breathnaítear ar an tionchar atá ag fóin chliste, na meáin shóisialta agus nascacht bhuan ar mheabhairshláinte ghlúin Gen Z — ó imní shóisialta go dúlagar agus níos faide i gcéin. Cé go dtugtar léargas ar phríomh-smaointe an leabhair, spreagtar éisteoirí chun é a léamh iad féin le haghaidh tuiscint níos doimhne.

Ina theannta sin, labhraíonn Oisín go pearsanta faoin gcaoi a bhfuil sé ag ullmhú dá pháistí féin sa domhan nua seo — domhan ina bhfuil AI giniúnach, LLManna, tionchair shóisialta ar líne agus scáileáin i ngach áit. Eipeasóid mhachnamhach, phearsanta agus thráthúil faoin gcaidreamh atá againn leis an teicneolaíocht agus leis an óige.

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In the first episode of Gaeilge Thar Lear for 2026 — “An Glúin Imníoch (The Anxious Generation)” — Oisín reflects on growing up at a unique crossroads between a play-based childhood and an emerging screen-based one. He recalls a time when games consoles began appearing in bedrooms, yet still served as a way to connect with friends in the real world, and when mobile phones were simple devices that represented independence from parents — rather than the all-consuming tools they can be today.

Drawing on Jonathan Haidt’s book The Anxious Generation, the episode explores the impact of smartphones, social media, and constant connectivity on Gen Z, including rising levels of social anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. While the book’s key ideas are discussed, listeners are encouraged to read it themselves for a fuller understanding.

The episode also takes a personal turn, as Oisín shares how he is preparing for his own children to grow up in a world shaped by generative AI, large language models, social media pressures, and “always-on” digital life. A thoughtful and timely conversation about childhood, technology, and what lies ahead for the next generation.

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