A worrying decline in the happiness levels of individuals under 30 has led to North America dropping out of the top 20 happiest nations, with the UK also ranking low for this demographic. Experts blame social media and call for policy changes.
Recent research highlights a concerning trend in the happiness levels of young people, with those under 30 experiencing a significant decline, especially in North America. This has led to the region dropping out of the top 20 happiest nations as per the 2024 World Happiness Report, with expectations that western Europe might follow suit. Dr. Vivek Murthy, America’s Surgeon General, has identified this pattern as akin to “a midlife crisis” for the younger demographic, partly blaming social media for its negative impact on well-being. In contrast, countries like Finland, Denmark, and Iceland have maintained their positions as the world’s happiest.
The UK, where the happiness of the under-30s is a specific concern, stands at 32nd place for this demographic, trailing behind countries such as Moldova and Kosovo. The report emphasizes the urgent need for policy interventions to improve the well-being of young individuals, citing factors such as social media use, income inequality, and concerns over war and climate change as key contributors to the declining happiness levels. In response, figures like Lord Layard in the UK parliament are advocating for enhanced mental health support and life skills education for children.
Coinciding with these findings, the International Day of Happiness took place on March 20, 2024. Established by the United Nations and celebrated globally, this day underscores the importance of happiness and well-being as fundamental human goals. Under the theme “Happier Together,” the event in 2024 aimed to promote social connections and collective well-being during times of uncertainty and conflict. Finland topped the list of the happiest countries, according to the World Happiness Report released on the same day, with the United Kingdom ranking 19th. The report and the International Day of Happiness collectively underline the significance of happiness for health, productivity, and societal resilience, encouraging efforts towards fostering individual and communal joy.
