The 2026 World Happiness Report has found that heavy social media use is linked to lower life satisfaction, particularly among people under 25.
Released annually in conjunction with the International Day of Happiness on March 20, the report ranks countries based on residents’ assessments of their well-being.
The 2026 findings reveal a sharp decline in life satisfaction among young people in English-speaking and Western European nations, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, over the past decade.
According to the study, social media platforms have eroded personal well-being among young users, with many feeling pressure to engage online despite negative emotional effects.
The findings come amid a growing global conversation about regulating social media use among minors, as governments seek to mitigate mental health risks for younger populations.
The report is based on surveys of roughly 100,000 people across 140 countries, offering a comprehensive view of happiness trends worldwide. Rankings consider a three-year average and incorporate indicators such as GDP per capita, social support, life expectancy, freedom, generosity, and perceptions of corruption.
Published by the University of Oxford’s Wellbeing Research Centre in partnership with Gallup and the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, the annual report shows the complex relationship between modern digital lifestyles and mental health outcomes.
With governments and mental health advocates increasingly weighing restrictions or guidelines for youth usage, the report serves as a wake-up call on the potential societal costs of unchecked digital engagement.