Book Review: Generation Zombie: Why Devices Are Harming Our Children and What We Can Do About It by Charlotte Armitage

In today’s digital age, many of us can go days without stepping outside. Technology has made life more convenient, but at a cost—undermining mental health, straining relationships, and reshaping childhood in ways we are only beginning to understand.

In Generation Zombie: Why Devices Are Harming Our Children and What We Can Do About It, psychologist Charlotte Armitage explores the impact of screens on young minds, relationships, and emotional well-being. Drawing on clinical expertise and personal experience, she argues that society’s dependence on technology is turning us into passive, screen-obsessed versions of ourselves.

The book opens with a thought-provoking quote from a tech entrepreneur: “In the future, coding skills will be obsolete—AI will do that. What will matter is the ability to make eye contact.” This sets the stage for Armitage’s urgent call to reassess how technology is shaping human interaction.

While she acknowledges technology’s benefits—its role in communication, education, and work—she warns of its hidden costs. Beyond cyberbullying and online exploitation, Generation Zombie examines how screens shorten attention spans, reduce real-world social skills, and erode our sense of self. Designed to be addictive, digital platforms use dopamine-driven reward systems to keep users hooked. Children now spend nearly a quarter of their lives in front of screens, often at the expense of sleep, concentration, and meaningful human connection.

Armitage structures the book around key developmental stages, showing how screens affect language, motor skills, and emotional growth. She links excessive screen use to rising rates of anxiety, obesity, sleep disturbances, and even traits associated with autism. Referring to devices as “weapons of mass disconnection” and social media as “antisocial media,” she delivers a stark warning about the long-term consequences of unchecked screen exposure.

Reading this made me reassess my own relationship with technology, especially how devices have become a near-constant presence in family interactions. Armitage argues that screens are barriers to genuine connection—something most of us know but struggle to address. The digital world is designed to be more engaging than reality, making it hard to switch off.

One of her sharpest critiques is how screen use has become normalised in early childhood. She warns that toddlers watching videos at mealtimes or being handed phones for entertainment are missing out on crucial social and cognitive development.

What sets Generation Zombie apart is its focus on practical solutions. Armitage provides concrete strategies for parents to reduce screen time, set healthy boundaries, and rebuild meaningful relationships. Her ‘Device Management Plan’ includes creating tech-free zones, modelling mindful behaviour, and reshaping social media habits.

While I agree that constant digital stimulation has left society anxious and overstimulated, the book’s alarmist tone occasionally weakens its message. For instance, comparing devices to drugs feels exaggerated. Additionally, Armitage places much of the responsibility on parents, while tech companies—who design these addictive platforms—largely escape blame.

Despite these drawbacks, Generation Zombie is an important read for parents, educators, and policymakers. Combining research, psychology, and real-world examples, Armitage presents a compelling case for urgent change. More than just a critique, this book challenges readers to rethink their digital habits and take action to reclaim real-world connection. In a society dominated by screens, Generation Zombie is a vital guide for parents seeking to protect their children’s ability to engage with the real world—and with each other.