Summary
A report from the University of Oxford suggests that unhappiness among Gen Z in countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand is linked to social media use. The study found that young people with heavy social media use report lower well-being, especially in English-speaking countries, though the impact can depend on how and which platforms are used.
Key Facts
- The World Happiness Report 2026 notes a decrease in life satisfaction for Gen Z in several English-speaking countries.
- Young people's life evaluations have dropped by nearly one point on a 0-to-10 scale over the last decade.
- In contrast, young people in most other parts of the world have reported increased well-being.
- The report highlights heavy social media use as a key factor in declining happiness, especially for girls.
- A survey of 15-year-olds in nearly 50 countries linked higher social media use with lower well-being.
- Adolescents currently spend an estimated average of 2.5 hours daily on social media.
- Young people who use social media for less than one hour a day reported the highest well-being.
- Oxford researchers argue that the effects of social media depend on the platform, how it is used, and the user.
