World Happiness Report Links Heavy Social Media Use to Decline in Youth Well-Being

In Brief

The findings highlight concerns about the mental health of young people, especially among vulnerable groups, amid rising social media use.

Key Facts

• Gallup’s World Happiness Report indicates heavy social media use may be contributing to a drop in youth well-being.
• The report found a 'worrying decline' in well-being among young people in Western countries.
• Low-income teens may be particularly at risk from the negative effects of social media.
• Teenage girls in English-speaking countries and Western Europe are especially affected, according to the report.
• The World Happiness Report 2026 ranks Finland as the happiest country.

What Happened

The 2026 World Happiness Report, compiled by Gallup, found that heavy social media use is associated with a decline in well-being among young people, with certain groups more affected.

Why It Matters

These findings raise concerns about the impact of social media on youth mental health, particularly for low-income teens and teenage girls in specific regions, prompting calls for further research and policy attention.

What's Next

Experts and policymakers may examine strategies to mitigate the negative effects of social media on young people, and further studies could explore targeted interventions.