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Instagram and TikTok Linked to Declining Mental Health

3/20/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The World Happiness Report finds Instagram and TikTok harm mental health more than Facebook and WhatsApp.
Excessive, algorithm-driven use is linked to unhappiness, especially in English-speaking countries.
The United Kingdom ranks 29th in happiness, while Finland leads for the ninth year.
Limited social media use correlates with higher life satisfaction.
Prof. Jan-Emmanuel De Neve emphasizes that social media should foster real connections.

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Story summary

The World Happiness Report finds Instagram and TikTok harm mental health more than Facebook and WhatsApp.
Excessive, algorithm-driven use is linked to unhappiness, especially in English-speaking countries.
The United Kingdom ranks 29th in happiness, while Finland leads for the ninth year.
Limited social media use correlates with higher life satisfaction.
Prof. Jan-Emmanuel De Neve emphasizes that social media should foster real connections.