The 2026 World Happiness Report has raised concerns about the growing impact of social media on the well-being of young people worldwide.
According to the report, happiness levels among youth in North America and Western Europe have declined significantly over the past 15 years, a period that has also seen a sharp rise in social media use.
Data from 47 countries shows that young people who spend more than seven hours a day on social media report much lower life satisfaction compared to those who use it for less than an hour. The negative impact appears to be stronger among girls.
The report notes that moderate or limited use of social media is generally linked to better well-being.
It also highlights that not all screen time has negative effects. Activities such as communication, learning and content creation tend to produce more positive outcomes.
In contrast, passive activities such as scrolling, gaming and entertainment are more likely to reduce life satisfaction.
Platforms driven by algorithms and influencer culture are associated with increased stress, depression and poorer overall health.
The effects also vary by region. While Western countries show a strong connection between heavy social media use and lower happiness, regions such as Latin America and the Middle East show more mixed outcomes.
This suggests that how social media is used may be as important as how often it is used.
The report concludes that while social media is not the sole cause of declining well-being among young people, excessive use poses clear risks.
It also notes that many young users feel pressured to stay connected, even though some wish these platforms did not exist.
Sri Lanka, ranked 134th in global happiness, is also experiencing similar digital trends, raising concerns about the impact of social media on the country’s younger generation.
