*Written by Mina Angelini
The younger generation is feeling less happy than previous generations, experiencing a crisis similar to that of middle age, as the authors of the 2024 World Happiness Report claim. They point out that social media is largely responsible for this unpleasant state of affairs. Additionally, young people in North America and Western Europe are less happy compared to those living in sub-Saharan Africa and Eastern Europe, according to a report published by The Guardian. The American professor described the findings as a “warning bell” for young people who struggle hard with problems both in the United States and in other countries around the world. He also emphasized the need for data to prove that social media platforms are safe for children and teenagers, while calling for international action to improve their influence on the daily lives of young people. It is worth noting that if only the opinions of individuals aged 60 and above were taken into account, the United States would be the 10th happiest country. “For the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, happiness has decreased in all age groups, but young people in particular represent the least happy age category,” the report states.
