Heavy social media use is negatively affecting the wellbeing of young people globally, particularly girls, according to the latest UN-backed World Happiness Report released Thursday. The report, which ranks 147 countries based on factors like GDP per capita, life expectancy, social support, freedom, generosity, and perceptions of corruption, also highlighted Finland as the happiest country for the ninth consecutive year.

The report noted “dramatic declines” in happiness among under-25s in countries including the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, with girls disproportionately affected. In contrast, youth in many other regions reported improved life satisfaction over the past two decades. Jon Clifton, chief executive of Gallup, which contributed to the report, emphasized that this long-term upward trend in youth happiness deserves attention despite regional disparities.

Social media’s influence on wellbeing was described as complex. Factors such as the amount of time spent online, the platforms used, engagement type, and demographic characteristics like gender and socio-economic status all play roles. “Heavy usage is associated with much lower wellbeing, but those deliberately off social media also appear to be missing out on some positive effects,” said Jan-Emmanuel De Neve, an Oxford economics professor and director of the Wellbeing Research Centre, who co-edited the report.

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Among nations, Afghanistan ranked lowest in life satisfaction, reflecting the ongoing social and political challenges under Taliban rule since 2021. Nordic countries dominated the top rankings, with Iceland, Denmark, Sweden, and Norway joining Finland in taking five of the top six positions. Costa Rica achieved a historic fourth-place ranking, marking the highest ever for a Latin American nation.

Finland retained its top position with a score of 7.764 out of 10. Juho Saari, a social and healthcare policy professor at Tampere University, noted that while Finland faces challenges such as high unemployment and cuts to social welfare, private life and social cohesion remain critical factors in happiness.

Residents cite natural surroundings, low inequality, and social trust as key contributors to their wellbeing. Karolina Iissalo, a 30-year-old Helsinki resident, highlighted the country’s serene environment, saying, “We have pristine nature, and the peace and quiet here is probably our trump card for why it’s nice to be here.” The report underscores the growing importance of addressing digital consumption’s impact on youth mental health, particularly as social media becomes increasingly integral to daily life.

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