Led by His Youth, US Sinks in World Happiness Report

“The literature is clear in practice – the effect this had on socialization, pro-social behavior, if you will, and people’s ability to feel connected and have community,” said Dr. Norris on the pandemic. “A lot of the things that would normally have happened for people, especially young adults in high school, didn’t happen,” he added. “And that still happens.”

Jade Song, one 27 year old novelistcounted himself among those who had become increasingly unhappy in recent years.

“It’s mainly because as an adult you suddenly become aware of all the world news and pay more attention to what you can control, and you realize that there is so little you can control,” Ms Song, who was not part of the study , said in an interview. “Even if you protest or pay your rent and bills all on time, it’s so hard, especially now, to break away from the way you live your life when you realize how little impact your actions actually have on a broader audience . level.”

In 2022, a study from Harvard University showed this welfare among young adults in the United States had declined over the past two decades. Young people – people between 18 and 25 years old – reported the lowest levels of happiness compared to other age groups, as well as the poorest mental and physical health, meaning, character, virtue, close social relationships and financial stability. Similar findings have emerged in Great Britain and Canada.

“One factor we’re all thinking about is social media,” says Dr. Robert Waldinger, director of the Harvard Study of Adult Development. “Because there is some research showing that depending on how we use social media, well-being decreases and rates of depression and anxiety increase, especially among young girls and women, teenage girls.”