Happiness has long been thought to follow a U-shaped curve: high in youth, dipping in midlife, and rising again in older age. However, new research suggests this may no longer hold true.
A study based on data from six English-speaking countries (Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the UK, and the US) reveals that young adults today are significantly less happy than previous generations. Published by the US-based National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) and co-authored by psychologist Jean Twenge and economist David G. Blanchflower, the research draws on 11 surveys conducted over the past decade. It shows a consistent decline in life satisfaction and happiness among young adults, particularly those aged 12 to 25, who are experiencing higher rates of depression and psychological distress compared to slightly older groups.
This trend isn’t limited to English-speaking countries. Studies from other regions, including the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America, suggest a similar pattern. The findings challenge the long-held belief in the U-shaped happiness curve, raising concerns about the unprecedented challenges younger generations face in a post-COVID world, exacerbated by digital technology and economic uncertainty.
What’s Behind the Decline?
The research identifies a strong link between declining happiness and increased internet and smartphone usage, particularly among younger generations. Blanchflower told Al Jazeera that the internet is the "main contender" behind this trend, as "nothing else fits the facts."
For example, a 2024 Pew Research survey found that 75% of American teenagers felt happier or more peaceful without their smartphones. Similarly, studies in the UK revealed that British teens are the least happy in Europe, with social media identified as a key factor.
Research in Africa, where smartphone use is growing rapidly, also supports this. While about half the continent’s population has never used the internet, those who have are more likely to report mental health issues. A December 2024 NBER study titled The Mental Health of the Young in Africa highlighted that low internet access correlates with higher happiness levels among youth. Blanchflower noted that this is a global trend, primarily affecting those who are internet-connected.
Interestingly, even middle-aged smartphone users today report lower happiness levels compared to their predecessors at the same age who did not use the internet or smartphones.
Other Contributing Factors
Beyond technology, economic hardships and loneliness are also driving the decline in youth happiness. The study points to cultural shifts, such as reduced in-person social interaction, increased social media use, and growing income inequality, as contributing factors.
The 2024 World Happiness Report highlighted a dramatic global decline in happiness among those under 30 since the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in the US, which fell out of the top 20 happiest countries for the first time since the report began in 2012.
What’s Next?
The study’s authors emphasize the need for further research to understand the root causes of rising unhappiness among youth and to help policymakers develop strategies to address it. However, Blanchflower expressed skepticism about reversing this trend, warning that the decline in youth well-being is spreading globally.
He urged people to "get away from their phones" and engage more with others, suggesting that reducing screen time and fostering real-world connections could help mitigate the issue.
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