Excessive use of social media may negatively affect happiness levels, particularly among young people, according to findings in the World Happiness Report 2026.
The report showed that individuals who spend more than seven hours a day on social media tend to experience lower levels of well-being. The trend was especially evident among teenagers, who were identified as among the most affected groups.
Researchers found that some users expressed a preference for living without social media altogether, suggesting that prolonged use may contribute to dissatisfaction and reduced happiness.
Despite these findings, the study also noted that moderate social media use may be associated with higher levels of happiness compared with complete non-use. Individuals who used social media for less than one hour a day reported higher happiness levels than those who did not use social media at all.
The report highlighted the connection between time spent on digital platforms and overall well-being, emphasizing how excessive exposure may influence emotional and mental states among users.
While the findings focused particularly on teenagers, the results suggest broader implications for other age groups who spend extended periods online.
The World Happiness Report 2026 presented the findings as part of its broader analysis of global well-being trends, including the role of lifestyle habits in shaping happiness levels.
The study underscored the importance of responsible and balanced use of social media, noting that the amount of time spent online appears to play a key role in determining its impact on overall happiness.
