Heavy social media consumption appears to be a significant factor contributing to a decline in wellbeing among young people, particularly girls, according to the latest World Happiness Report released on Thursday. The findings emerge as several nations globally consider implementing stricter regulations on digital access for minors. This movement follows Australia’s landmark decision in December to become the first country to enforce a social media ban for children under the age of 16, highlighting a growing international concern over youth mental health.
The research featured in this year’s annual report is based on extensive data from the US market research firm Gallup, alongside various other international studies. The analysis was conducted by a global team led by the University of Oxford in England. While the report stopped short of establishing a definitive direct link, researchers combined Gallup data with findings from the OECD’s Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) to conclude that excessive time spent on these platforms is correlated with reduced levels of happiness.
Professor Jan-Emmanuel de Neve, an Economics Professor at the University of Oxford and one of the report’s editors, emphasised that the core issue lies in the nature of modern digital interactions. He noted that algorithmically-driven, passively consumed content—often featuring influencers—has a demonstrably more negative impact on users than platforms designed for genuine social connection. The professor suggested that there is an urgent need to reintroduce authentic social interaction into the digital landscape to mitigate these effects.
The data indicates that the impact of social media on wellbeing is particularly pronounced among teenage girls. Specifically, 15-year-old girls who utilise social media platforms for more than five hours a day reported significantly lower life satisfaction compared to peers with lower usage rates. Gallup’s worldwide polling further revealed that life satisfaction evaluations among those under 25 in the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand have dropped by nearly one point on a ten-point scale over the last decade.
In contrast to the decline observed in these English-speaking countries, the report found that self-reported life satisfaction among young people in the rest of the world has generally increased on average during the same period. Gallup Managing Editor Julie Ray suggested that these diverging trends are likely related to broader social conditions and support systems. Previous research indicates that younger individuals in certain countries report feeling less supported, which serves as a strong predictor of lower overall wellbeing in the digital age.
