Summary
A United Nations-backed report has found that heavy social media use contributes to a decline in happiness among young people in Western countries. The research highlights this trend over the past two decades, while noting that in other parts of the world, young people's life satisfaction has generally increased. Researchers suggest that social media's impact varies by region and platform.
Key Facts
- A UN-backed report links heavy social media use to decreased happiness in young people in the West.
- The report is part of the annual World Happiness Report.
- 15 Western countries, including the U.S., Canada, and Australia, have seen a decline in youth wellbeing over 20 years.
- Other global regions report increased life satisfaction among young people.
- The report was prepared by researchers from the University of Oxford and partners like Gallup.
- The report cites data from several sources, including PISA and psychologist Jonathan Haidt's research.
- Finland is ranked as the world's happiest nation, with several Western and Scandinavian countries in the top happiness rankings.
- Some countries, like Australia, have implemented social media restrictions for young people due to concerns over mental health.
