Heavy use of social media is increasingly undermining the well-being of young people, according to the latest findings from the World Happiness Report 2026.
The report, released to mark the International Day of Happiness, reveals a strong link between frequent social media use and declining life satisfaction, particularly among people under the age of 25.
Drawing on survey data from about 100,000 respondents across 140 countries, the study shows a notable drop in happiness levels among young people in several English-speaking and Western European countries. Nations such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand have experienced particularly sharp declines over the past decade.
According to the report, many young users feel compelled to remain active on social media despite recognising its negative effects on their mental health. It notes that a significant number of university students in the U.S. would prefer a world without social media but continue using it due to peer pressure and social expectations.
More broadly, the findings indicate that happiness levels across many Western industrialised countries have fallen compared to the 2005–2010 period. In fact, 15 countries recorded significant declines in happiness, while only four saw notable improvements. Among people under 25, countries in the NANZ region (U.S., Canada, Australia, and New Zealand) ranked near the bottom globally in terms of changes in life satisfaction.
The report also highlights clear generational differences. Social media use has a strongly negative impact on Generation Z, a moderate effect on Millennials, little to no effect on Generation X, and a slightly positive effect among Baby Boomers. Researchers attribute this trend to both higher exposure to digital platforms among younger users and their greater vulnerability to its psychological effects.
Produced by the University of Oxford Wellbeing Research Centre in partnership with Gallup and the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, the report assesses happiness using indicators such as income levels, social support, life expectancy, personal freedom, generosity, and perceptions of corruption.
Experts say the findings reinforce growing global concerns about the mental health implications of digital lifestyles. While social media has enhanced global connectivity, it has also intensified feelings of isolation, comparison, and dissatisfaction among younger users.
With policymakers and mental health advocates increasingly considering regulations and usage guidelines, especially for minors, the report serves as a stark warning about the societal costs of unchecked social media engagement.
