America’s Youth Driving Decline in Happiness
The latest World Happiness Report has delivered a blow to the United States, plunging it to the 23rd spot on the global happiness index. This marks the first time the US has fallen out of the top 20 since the report’s inception in 2012.
Youth Unhappiness
The report reveals a concerning trend – young Americans are at the forefront of this happiness decline. The report by the Wellbeing Research Centre at the University of Oxford shows the US plummeted eight positions from last year’s ranking.
Age-Based Rankings
In a groundbreaking move, the report introduced age-specific rankings, exposing the US’s under-30 population dropping to a dismal 62nd place, trailing behind nations like Saudi Arabia and Guatemala.
Expert Insight
Jan-Emmanuel De Neve, a professor at Saïd Business School and editor of the World Happiness Report, expressed astonishment at the decline in average happiness in the US. De Neve highlighted a stark contrast, with older Americans reporting more positive life outlooks.
Root Causes
The report points to various societal challenges faced by American youth, from a loneliness epidemic to deteriorating mental health, exacerbated by political divisions and widening income inequality. De Neve emphasized that addressing these issues requires urgent policy action.
As the world grapples with shifting happiness trends, the spotlight is on the US to address the well-being of its younger population and bridge the happiness gap.