Social media making young people less happy, report finds

A recent UN-backed World Happiness Report found a significant decline in wellbeing among young people in Western countries over the past two decades. The report, which analyzed data from sources like PISA and research by Jonathan Haidt, suggests heavy social media use is a contributing factor to this decline in countries including the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Researchers noted that outside of the English-speaking world and Western Europe, the links between social media use and wellbeing are more positive. The report was published by the University of Oxford’s Wellbeing Research Centre in partnership with Gallup and the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network.

The World Happiness Report 2026, published by the University of Oxford, identifies Finland as the world's happiest country for the ninth consecutive year, with other Nordic nations also ranking highly. The annual report highlights a significant decline in well-being among young people under 25 in countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand over the past decade. Researchers suggest heavy social media use is a contributing factor, particularly impacting teenage girls in English-speaking countries and Western Europe. Costa Rica experienced a notable rise, entering the top five due to strong family bonds and social connections. The report emphasizes the importance of social connections in boosting overall happiness.