Story perspectives

Social Media Use Declines Youth Happiness, Report Reveals

3/19/2026

Summary

Story summary

The World Happiness Report 2026 finds heavy social media use significantly lowers well-being for young people, especially teenage girls in English-speaking countries and Western Europe.
The University of Oxford report ranks Finland as the happiest country for the ninth consecutive year, with Costa Rica rising to fourth.
Life evaluations among under-25s in United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand declined over the past decade, with five-hour daily social-media use rising.

1 of 1

Story summary

The World Happiness Report 2026 finds heavy social media use significantly lowers well-being for young people, especially teenage girls in English-speaking countries and Western Europe.
The University of Oxford report ranks Finland as the happiest country for the ninth consecutive year, with Costa Rica rising to fourth.
Life evaluations among under-25s in United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand declined over the past decade, with five-hour daily social-media use rising.