Part 4/13:
Central to Dr. Phil’s thesis is the idea that societal decline is a gradual process that has accelerated over time. He attributes much of this to technological shifts — especially the rise of smartphones and social media, beginning around 2007-2008. These devices have reoriented young people's lives toward virtual realities, encouraging them to watch life instead of live it.
This shift affects self-esteem and independence. Children and teenagers, living predominantly through screens, miss out on critical experiences of overcoming obstacles and developing resilience. Dr. Phil highlights how "concierge parents" — those who smooth all obstacles for their children — contribute to a generation lacking self-reliance and the capacity to handle adversity.