A recent study has revealed alarming findings about the happiness levels of young adults, showing that they are less happy than previous generations. Traditionally, happiness has been believed to follow a U-shaped curve: it peaks in youth, dips in middle age, and rises again in older adulthood. However, a new study challenges this long-held belief, revealing that young adults today are experiencing unprecedented levels of unhappiness, a stark contrast to previous generations.
The research, commissioned by the United Nations and published by the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER), examined data from 11 surveys across six English-speaking countries: Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the UK, and the US. The study, co-authored by Jean Twenge, a psychologist at San Diego State University, and David G Blanchflower, an economist at Dartmouth University, finds a significant decline in life satisfaction among younger adults, particularly those between the ages of 12 and 25. These findings also appear to extend globally, as other studies from regions such as the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America show similar trends.
The Decline in Happiness Among Youth
The research highlights a troubling rise in psychological distress and depression among younger generations, a phenomenon not as prevalent in older age groups. While older adults report an increase in happiness and life satisfaction with age, young people seem to be facing unprecedented challenges that could explain their rising unhappiness. The study attributes this shift to several factors, including the rise of digital technology, particularly the internet and smartphones.
Blanchflower argues that the internet is the “main contender” for this decline in happiness, as it fundamentally differentiates the current generation from those that came before. Studies have shown that excessive internet usage and social media engagement contribute significantly to feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and depression among young adults. In 2024, a Pew Research Survey revealed that three in four American teenagers felt happier when they were without their smartphones. Similarly, research in the UK found that teenagers and preteens were the least happy in Europe, with social media usage identified as a key contributor to their unhappiness.
The growing availability of smartphones and internet access worldwide is fueling this global trend. Blanchflower, who has conducted similar research in Africa, noted that while many young Africans have not yet gained internet access, those who have tend to show signs of mental health problems. This suggests that access to the internet and smartphones could be playing a critical role in driving down happiness, especially in regions where these technologies are becoming more widespread.
Other Contributing Factors
While the internet and social media are significant contributors to the decline in happiness, they are not the only factors at play. The study also points to economic hardship and social isolation as contributing causes. Young adults today face increased financial pressures, rising income inequality, and limited job prospects, which all contribute to their dissatisfaction with life. Additionally, the decline in face-to-face social interactions due to the rise of digital communication may be exacerbating feelings of loneliness.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has further deepened this crisis. According to the 2024 World Happiness Report, happiness among young people under the age of 30 has dramatically declined since the pandemic, with the US experiencing one of the sharpest drops. The country, which had consistently ranked among the top 20 happiest nations, fell out of the index for the first time since the report began in 2012.
The Way Forward
Despite the alarming trends, the authors of the study stress the need for more research to understand the underlying causes of young people’s unhappiness. This research is essential for policymakers to develop effective strategies to reverse the negative trends affecting youth today.
However, Blanchflower remains cautious about reversing the decline in well-being, expressing concern that the issues faced by young people are spreading globally and may be difficult to address. His advice is simple yet impactful: “Get away from your phones and interact with others.”
As the world grapples with these findings, it is clear that the challenges faced by today’s youth are complex and multifaceted. To support their well-being, society must find ways to address not just the digital landscape but also economic pressures and social isolation. Only then can we begin to reverse the rising unhappiness among young adults and ensure a brighter future for the next generation.
Source:https://www.aljazeera.com/
