The 2026 World Happiness Report has shed light on the significant impact of social media on the mental health of young people, particularly those under the age of 25. This age group spends more time online and is more emotionally affected by their experiences on social media, leading to lower life satisfaction. The report, which was released to mark the International Day of Happiness, reveals a noticeable drop in happiness levels among young people in several developed countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Over the past decade, these countries have recorded steady declines in how satisfied young people feel about their lives.
The report attributes this decline to the pressure to stay active on social media, with many young people feeling compelled to constantly check updates, post content, and compare themselves to others. This pattern creates a cycle where young people remain online out of fear of missing out, even when it negatively affects their mental health. The report is based on surveys from about 100,000 people and measures how people in different countries feel about their lives and overall well-being.
