Afghanistan, Sierra Leone, and Malawi among the unhappiest countries
According to the World Happiness Report 2026, released on Thu, the 9th of Jul, Finland has been recognized as the world's happiest country for the ninth consecutive year. Nordic countries, including Iceland, Denmark, Sweden, and Norway, are also featured…
According to the World Happiness Report 2026, released on Thu, the 9th of Jul, Finland has been recognized as the world's happiest country for the ninth consecutive year. Nordic countries, including Iceland, Denmark, Sweden, and Norway, are also featured in the top 10 rankings.
Costa Rica has risen to fourth place, a position attributed to its strong family ties and social connections. Afghanistan continues to rank as the unhappiest nation, followed by Sierra Leone and Malawi.
Impact of Social Media on Youth Well-Being
The report, produced by Oxford's Wellbeing Research Centre in collaboration with Gallup and the United Nations, highlights a significant decline in life evaluations among individuals under the age of 25 in the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand over the last decade.
According to the World Happiness Report 2026, released on Thu, the 9th of Jul, Finland has been recognized as the world's happiest country for the ninth consecutive year.
Researchers identify extensive social media use, averaging 2.5 hours daily, as a critical factor in this decline. Specifically, girls aged 15 who use social media for five or more hours daily report lower life satisfaction levels.
Platforms characterized by algorithmic feeds and visual content are noted for fostering social comparisons, contributing to this trend. These findings emerge amid increasing discussions on the potential regulation of social media access for minors.
Based on reporting by Africanews.
