The 2026 World Happiness Report has linked increased social media use to lower levels of life satisfaction, particularly among young people.
The report, released to mark the International Day of Happiness on March 20, highlights growing concerns about the impact of digital platforms on global well-being.
According to the findings, individuals who spend more time on social media tend to report reduced happiness and overall life satisfaction.
The trend is especially pronounced among people under the age of 25 in countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand
The study, based on surveys of approximately 100,000 respondents across 140 countries, shows that youth happiness levels in several Western and English-speaking nations have declined significantly over the past decade.
Researchers noted that excessive social media engagement has contributed to this drop, affecting mental health and personal well-being.
The report also revealed that many young people feel compelled to use social media because of peer influence, even though they would prefer a world without it.
The findings come amid increasing global discussions on regulating social media use, particularly among minors.
The World Happiness Report is jointly published by the University of Oxford’s Wellbeing Research Centre, Gallup and the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network
Country rankings in the report are based on factors such as income levels, social support, life expectancy, personal freedom, generosity, and perceptions of corruption.
The report underscores the need for balanced digital habits and policies that promote mental well-being in an increasingly connected world.
