The annual World Happiness Report has revealed that the United States has fallen to 23rd place in the list of the world's happiest countries. This marks a significant decline of eight positions compared to the previous year, pushing the US out of the top 20 for the first time since the report's inception in 2012. The report is published by the Wellbeing Research Centre at the University of Oxford.
Finland continues to hold the top spot in the rankings, with Canada at 15th place and the UK at 20th. The dissatisfaction among American youth is a key factor behind this sharp drop. In a new age-based ranking, the US plummeted to 62nd place in the under-30 category, lagging behind countries like Saudi Arabia and Guatemala.
The decline in average happiness in the US has been described as 'quite astonishing' by experts. The well-being of young Americans has notably deteriorated, impacting the overall rankings. Conversely, older Americans reported the highest levels of life satisfaction.
The report highlights concerning decreases in happiness levels among 15 to 24-year-olds in North America, western Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, and south Asia since 2019. In contrast, happiness within this age group has generally increased in other parts of the world.
A variety of social issues are contributing to the challenges faced by young people in America, including a loneliness epidemic. Factors such as the influence of social media, declining mental health among youth, and political polarization are believed to be driving forces behind the decline in happiness.
Experts also point to rising inequality as a significant issue dividing American society. The deepening divide between the left and right in the US is exacerbating existing challenges. The complexity of these issues suggests that a combination of factors is responsible for the decline in happiness levels among American youth.
