U.S. Hits Historic Low in World Happiness Rankings
The U.S. ranks 24th in happiness, driven by young adult misery. Loneliness, economic stress, and mental health issues are key factors.
Why it matters
- The U.S. has fallen to its lowest ranking (24th) in the World Happiness Report, with young adults under 30 driving the decline.
- Unhappiness among young Americans is linked to loneliness, economic struggles, and mental health issues.
By the numbers
- The U.S. ranks 24th in the World Happiness Report.
- Nearly 1 in 4 Americans aged 18-24 eat all meals alone daily.
- Solo dining among young people has surged by over 50% in two decades.
The big picture
- The traditional U-shaped happiness curve is broken, with early adulthood no longer being the happiest period.
- Solutions include rebuilding social connections, prioritizing mental health, economic reforms, and regulating digital spaces.
What they're saying
- Criticism of government handling of COVID-19 and economic policies.
- Concerns about wealth inequality and lack of focus on human well-being.
Caveats
- The report relies on self-reported data, which can be subjective.
- Proposed solutions require significant policy changes and societal shifts.
What’s next
- Potential policy changes and societal shifts to address the issues.