Finland has once again been named the world’s happiest country, but the latest global findings come with a warning; rising social media use is increasingly tied to declining well-being among young people.
The 2026 edition of the World Happiness Report, released Thursday, ranks Finland at number one for the ninth consecutive year, with Nordic countries continuing to dominate the top positions. Meanwhile, countries facing conflict and instability remain at the bottom of the index.
Yet beyond the rankings, researchers say the most striking trend is a growing generational divide. Happiness levels among people under 25, particularly in English-speaking and Western European nations, have dropped sharply over the past decade. Experts point to heavy social media use as a key factor behind the decline.
According to the report, young people who spend more than five hours a day on social platforms report significantly lower life satisfaction compared to those who limit usage.
Teenage girls appear especially vulnerable, with researchers highlighting the impact of algorithm-driven, image-focused platforms that encourage social comparison.
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The findings suggest that not all digital interaction is equally harmful. Platforms centered on direct communication may have more positive effects, while passive consumption, such as scrolling through influencer content, has been linked to poorer mental health outcomes.
Moderate use, roughly an hour per day, appears to be associated with the highest levels of well-being. The report, based on survey data from around 140 countries, evaluates happiness through self-reported life satisfaction on a scale from zero to ten.
It also considers factors such as social support, income, health, freedom, and perceptions of corruption. While Finland’s continued success is often attributed to strong social safety nets, trust in institutions, and close community ties, the broader global picture is becoming more complex.
Some countries, including the United States, have seen declines in overall rankings, partly driven by worsening youth well-being.
In response to growing concerns, policymakers in several nations are considering or implementing restrictions on social media use among minors.
Researchers argue that efforts should focus not only on limiting screen time but also on promoting healthier, more meaningful online interactions.
