Social Media Use Linked to Youth Well-Being Decline in Some Countries

World Happiness Report finds heavy social media use associated with lower life satisfaction among young people

Mar. 22, 2026 at 8:39pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The latest World Happiness Report has found that youth well-being has declined in several developed countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and parts of Western Europe. Researchers believe social media use may be a contributing factor, with young people who use social media more than 5 hours per day reporting lower levels of well-being. The report explores the 'trap' effect of social media, where people feel compelled to use it despite the negative impacts on their mental health.

Why it matters

The findings from the World Happiness Report challenge the notion that social media is inherently beneficial for young people's social lives and overall well-being. The report highlights the need for a more nuanced understanding of how social media affects different age groups and the importance of setting healthy usage guidelines, especially for youth.

The details

The World Happiness Report, produced annually by Gallup, the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, and an independent editorial board, surveyed 96% of the world's population across 140 countries. Researchers found declines in youth well-being in the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, France, Ireland, Norway, Switzerland, and the UK, while some central European countries saw improvements despite high internet and social media use. The report suggests social pressure and the 'fear of missing out' are key factors driving young people's continued use of social media, even when it negatively impacts their mental health. Researchers recommend interventions focused on encouraging healthier social media usage patterns rather than just reducing overall screen time.

  • The World Happiness Report is released annually on the International Day of Happiness, designated by the United Nations as March 20.
  • The latest report was published on March 22, 2026.

The players

Ilana Ron Levey

Managing director at Gallup, the research organization that conducts the surveys for the World Happiness Report.

Cass Sunstein

Robert Walmsley University Professor at Harvard Law School and co-author of the World Happiness Report.

Zach Rausch

Senior research scientist at New York University's Stern School of Business and co-author of the World Happiness Report.

Jean Twenge

Professor of psychology at San Diego State University and co-author of the World Happiness Report.

Martijn Burger

Professor of happiness economics at Open University of the Netherlands and co-author of the World Happiness Report.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“When people stay off Facebook for a month, they are happier, less anxious, and less depressed. Even so, they would have to be paid about $85 to be off Facebook for another month.”

— Cass Sunstein, Robert Walmsley University Professor at Harvard Law School

“Social media should be considered an adult product regardless of circumstance.”

— Zach Rausch, Senior research scientist at New York University's Stern School of Business

“In most regions, girls who did not use social media at all were the most likely to be completely satisfied with their lives.”

— Jean Twenge, Professor of psychology at San Diego State University

What’s next

The World Happiness Report authors suggest that parents can play a key role in setting healthy social media usage guidelines for their children, regardless of the child's age.

The takeaway

The World Happiness Report's findings underscore the need for a more nuanced understanding of social media's impact on youth well-being. While social media use is not inherently harmful, excessive use, especially more than 5 hours per day, is consistently linked to lower life satisfaction, more stress, and more depressive symptoms among young people. Interventions focused on encouraging healthier usage patterns, rather than just reducing screen time, may be the most effective approach.