A new study reveals a troubling trend: young adults are experiencing significantly lower levels of happiness compared to previous generations, challenging the long-standing belief that happiness follows a U-shaped curve. The study, commissioned by the United Nations and conducted by researchers Jean Twenge of San Diego State University and David G. Blanchflower of Dartmouth College, paints a stark picture of declining life satisfaction among younger people.
The research, published by the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER), analyzed data from 11 surveys spanning across six English-speaking countries, including the US, the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Ireland. Findings indicate that happiness among young adults aged 12 to 25 has sharply decreased over the last decade, with many facing higher rates of depression and psychological distress compared to older age groups. This stands in contrast to older adults, whose life satisfaction has steadily risen with age.
The study’s conclusions suggest that young people today are grappling with unique challenges, particularly in the post-COVID era, with the rise of digital technology and economic uncertainty being significant contributing factors.
The Impact of Technology on Happiness
A key finding of the study is the strong correlation between the rise in internet usage, particularly through smartphones and social media, and the decline in happiness among youth. Blanchflower, one of the study’s co-authors, stated that “the internet is the main contender for blame,” citing its pervasive influence on the mental well-being of young people today.
Recent surveys reinforce this view. A 2024 Pew Research study found that three in four American teenagers reported feeling happier when away from their smartphones. Similarly, a separate study on British youth pointed to social media as a leading cause of unhappiness among teenagers and preteens.
This trend is not confined to Western countries. In regions like the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America, where smartphone access is increasing rapidly, similar patterns are emerging, with many young people exhibiting signs of mental distress tied to digital exposure.
Blanchflower also highlighted a related issue observed in Africa, where many young people have yet to access the internet. A study on the mental health of African youth published in December 2024 found that the absence of internet access has helped protect young people there from the mental health challenges seen in more digitally connected countries.
Other Contributing Factors
While technology plays a central role, the researchers point to additional factors that may be contributing to the unhappiness among young people. Economic hardship, social isolation, and increasing income inequality are all cited as potential drivers. The study also notes a decline in face-to-face social interactions, as well as a growing sense of disillusionment with society, particularly among younger generations.
The 2024 World Happiness Report further corroborates these findings, showing that happiness levels among young people under 30 have significantly decreased since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, with the United States seeing a notable drop. The country, once ranked among the top 20 happiest nations, has now fallen out of the list for the first time since the report’s inception in 2012.
Conclusion
As the study suggests, more research will be needed to fully understand the causes of this generational shift in happiness and to develop strategies to address it. However, Blanchflower expressed concern over the likelihood of reversing the trend. He warned that the decline in youth well-being is spreading globally and emphasized the importance of reducing screen time and fostering real-life social connections.
“There’s a real need for young people to step away from their phones and engage with others,” Blanchflower said. “The mental health of younger generations is at a critical point.”
As experts continue to study the issue, it remains to be seen whether these trends can be reversed, and whether policy changes will be made to support the mental well-being of young people worldwide.
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