For centuries, societal and technological changes have been blamed for causing mental illness, a conservative trope that views change as an epidemiological risk factor. This idea is currently seen in claims that smartphones and social media are creating an epidemic of mental ill-health in young people. Despite its popularity, this theory is based on correlation, not causation. The rise in diagnosed mental illness in the U.S. can be explained by changes to diagnostic criteria and increased awareness, not necessarily by technology. Furthermore, international data often contradict this argument, with many countries seeing declining rates of teen suicide and self-harm despite high smartphone use. Longitudinal studies suggest causality is likely the other way around: young people with mental health issues turn to social media for support. This narrative conveniently frames youth rebellion as a pathological issue, rather than a response to societal problems.