Finland has once again secured its position as the world’s happiest country, marking the ninth consecutive year at the top, according to the latest findings from the World Happiness Report.
However, the report also highlights a growing concern: declining well-being among young people, particularly linked to heavy social media use.
Published by the Wellbeing Research Centre at the University of Oxford, the 2026 report places Finland at the top, followed closely by other Nordic nations including Denmark, Iceland, Sweden, and Norway, all of which consistently rank among the top 10.
Researchers attribute Finland’s sustained success to factors such as strong social support systems, equitable wealth distribution, robust welfare policies, and high life expectancy. These elements combine to create a stable and supportive environment that fosters overall life satisfaction.
In contrast, the report highlights a notable decline in happiness levels among individuals under 25 in countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Experts suggest that increased time spent on social media platforms is a major contributing factor to this downward trend.
“Life evaluations among young people have dropped significantly over the past decade,” said Jan-Emmanuel De Neve, director of the Wellbeing Research Centre. He noted that excessive social media use, particularly on visually driven platforms with algorithmic feeds, encourages unhealthy social comparisons.
The report reveals that teenagers, especially girls, are the most affected group. Fifteen-year-old girls who spend five hours or more daily on social media reported significantly lower life satisfaction compared to those with limited usage.
Interestingly, moderate use—less than one hour per day—was associated with higher well-being than both heavy use and complete abstinence.
Globally, adolescents spend an average of 2.5 hours per day on social media, raising concerns among researchers about long-term mental health impacts. The findings suggest that platforms focused on communication rather than curated visual content tend to have less negative effects.
Despite these concerns, not all regions show the same pattern. In parts of the Middle East and South America, youth well-being has remained stable or even improved, despite widespread social media usage. Researchers attribute this to stronger family ties and social connections in these regions.
A notable development in this year’s rankings is the rise of Costa Rica, which climbed to fourth place from 23rd in 2023. Experts link this improvement to strong community bonds and high levels of social capital.
At the lower end of the rankings, countries facing ongoing conflict and instability continue to struggle. Afghanistan remains the unhappiest country, followed by Sierra Leone and Malawi.
The report is based on responses from approximately 100,000 people across 140 countries, collected in collaboration with Gallup and the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network.
As governments increasingly consider regulating social media use among minors, the report underscores the importance of balancing digital engagement with meaningful social interaction.