Australia, Greece, and Cyprus have all dropped in the latest World Happiness Report, as new data highlights growing concerns over youth wellbeing and the impact of heavy social media use.
The annual report, published by the University of Oxford’s Wellbeing Research Centre in partnership with Gallup and the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, points to a troubling trend among young people in several developed countries.
Rankings fall for Australia, Greece, and Cyprus
In this year’s rankings:
- Australia fell to 15th place, down from 10th
- Cyprus dropped to 62nd, down from 50th
- Greece declined sharply to 85th, falling 21 places
The report assesses 147 countries using a three-year average across key indicators, including GDP per capita, life expectancy, social support, freedom, generosity, and perceptions of corruption.
A central finding of the report is the growing impact of social media on young people’s mental health and life satisfaction.
Researchers found that:
- Heavy social media use is associated with lower levels of well-being
- Effects vary depending on platform, usage patterns, and demographics
- Gender and socio-economic factors also influence outcomes
“Heavy usage is associated with much lower well-being,” said Jan-Emmanuel De Neve, editor of the report and professor at Oxford University.
“However, those completely off social media may also miss out on certain benefits.”
Sharp decline among youth in Western countries
The report highlights “dramatic declines” in happiness among people under 25 in:
- United States
- Canada
- Australia
- New Zealand
The trend is particularly pronounced among young women, raising concerns for policymakers and health experts.
At the same time, researchers noted that youth in other regions are reporting improved life satisfaction, suggesting the issue is not global but concentrated in specific societies.
Nordic countries lead again
Northern Europe continues to dominate the rankings:
- Finland remains the world’s happiest country
- Followed by Iceland, Denmark, Sweden, and Norway
Meanwhile, Costa Rica entered the top five for the first time, marking a milestone for Latin America.
Global contrasts
At the other end of the scale, Afghanistan ranked last, reflecting the ongoing humanitarian crisis and restrictions under Taliban rule.
Despite regional disparities, Gallup CEO Jon Clifton noted a broader long-term trend:
“Most of the world’s young people are happier today than they were 20 years ago, and that’s a trend that deserves attention.”
A complex relationship
The report concludes that social media’s role in wellbeing is complex rather than purely negative.
While excessive use is linked to poorer outcomes, moderate and intentional engagement may still offer social and psychological benefits.
As governments around the world consider new regulations on youth access to social media, the findings are likely to fuel further debate on how best to balance digital connectivity with mental health protection.
Source: World Happiness Report 2026 (via AFP)
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