health
Young Americans' happiness is 'falling off a cliff,' expert says—it’s not just because of social media
Out of 136 countries, the happiness of the U.S.'s under 25-year-olds ranks close to the bottom of the list.
TL;DR
- The U.S. ranks 23rd in the 2026 World Happiness Report, while its youth (15-24) rank between 122 and 133 globally.
- Excessive social media use, especially among girls, is directly linked to lower life evaluations, with 5+ hours daily correlating to a full point decrease.
- U.S. teens aged 15-18 spend an average of 4.9 to 5.8 hours daily on social media.
- High consumption of ultra-processed foods negatively impacts emotional regulation and increases depressive symptoms.
- Younger generations report weaker family ties and fewer friends, indicating a decline in social support networks.
- Anxiety over job security, climate change, housing affordability, education costs, and political polarization also contribute to low youth well-being.
- Experts advise prioritizing physical activity and in-person social interactions over digital consumption.