By The Sampadak Express
A troubling trend is emerging among young adults across English-speaking nations, where happiness is declining despite advancements in technology, connectivity, and economic growth. This shift is happening at a time when older generations, including parents and grandparents, seem to be enjoying stable or even improved well-being. What’s going wrong? A comprehensive study published by the National Bureau of Economic Research offers some unsettling answers.
The U-Curve of Happiness: A Vanishing Pattern
For decades, psychologists have maintained a widely accepted theory about happiness: the U-shaped curve.
This model suggested that happiness tends to be high in youth, dips in midlife (often attributed to a “midlife crisis”), and then rises again in later years. However, new research by Jean Twenge and David Blanchflower challenges this pattern, revealing a significant shift in how happiness is experienced over the lifespan.
The study analyzed data from six countries—Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States—and found that the U-curve no longer holds. Instead, happiness is increasing with age, with young adults now reporting the lowest levels of well-being, and older adults experiencing the highest levels.
This dramatic change is more than just a passing observation—it is backed by solid data. In the U.S., for instance, life satisfaction among young adults has dropped sharply since 2016, while older adults’ satisfaction levels have remained relatively stable. This downward trend in youth happiness predates the COVID-19 pandemic, suggesting that there are deeper societal and cultural shifts at play.
The Rise in Mental Health Issues
The decline in happiness among young adults is directly linked to the rise of mental health issues. Across all six countries included in the study, the rates of anxiety, depression, and self-harm have surged among young people. In Australia, mental health disorders among young people increased by 40% for men and 60% for women over the past decade. In the United Kingdom, prescriptions for antidepressants saw a 25% increase from 2015 to 2019.
Young women, in particular, appear to be bearing the brunt of this crisis. Between 2020 and 2022, almost half (46%) of Australian women aged 16-24 reported experiencing mental illness, a sharp rise from 30% in 2007. Similar patterns are emerging in other countries, raising urgent questions about what is driving this alarming trend.
Contributing Factors to the Happiness Decline
There is no single explanation for why young adults today are increasingly unhappy, but researchers have identified several key factors contributing to this crisis:
1. The Social Media Effect:
Many of the declines in youth happiness began around 2012-2013, a period when smartphones and social media became ubiquitous. Studies have shown that increased screen time is linked to a decline in face-to-face social interactions, which are critical for mental well-being. Furthermore, the curated, idealized images on social media can foster unrealistic comparisons, lower self-esteem, and heighten anxiety.
2. Economic Instability:
Young adults today face significant economic challenges, including rising housing costs, student debt, and job market uncertainty. Many feel financially insecure, and this economic strain is strongly associated with lower well-being. Unlike older generations, who may have established financial stability, young people are struggling in an increasingly unpredictable economic landscape.
3. Global Disruptions:
Global events like the Great Recession, the COVID-19 pandemic, and ongoing inflation have had a disproportionate impact on younger generations. Unlike older adults, who may have weathered such crises with established social and financial support, young adults are navigating a world marked by uncertainty.
4. Declining Social and Community Engagement:
Today’s young people are less likely to participate in religious, civic, or community activities—sources of belonging and emotional support that were vital to previous generations. As a result, many young adults lack the strong social networks and community ties that contribute to well-being.
Can This Crisis Be Reversed?
While the findings of the study are concerning, they also present an opportunity for society to rethink how we can support young people’s well-being. Here are several strategies that could help mitigate the crisis:
1. Encouraging Healthy Tech Use: Promoting mindful social media consumption and fostering more face-to-face social interactions could help counter the negative effects of excessive screen time and online comparisons. By encouraging young people to disconnect from their digital devices and engage in real-world experiences, we may be able to improve their mental health.
2. Expanding Mental Health Resources: One of the most urgent solutions is investing in accessible, youth-focused mental health care. Making mental health services more available and tailored to young adults could help address the growing mental health crisis. Schools, workplaces, and communities must do more to prioritize mental well-being.
3. Addressing Economic Inequality: Policies aimed at alleviating the financial burdens faced by young adults, such as affordable housing initiatives and student debt relief, could go a long way in improving long-term happiness. Economic stability is a key driver of well-being, and young adults need support to navigate the current financial landscape.
4. Encouraging Community Engagement: By creating more opportunities for young people to engage in community-building activities, from volunteering to participating in local hobby groups, we can help restore a sense of purpose and connection. Strengthening community ties will be crucial for combating isolation and fostering a greater sense of belonging.
A Wake-Up Call for Society
The traditional U-curve of happiness has flattened, and young adults are experiencing an unprecedented decline in well-being. This is not a temporary phenomenon; it represents a fundamental shift in how happiness is experienced across different age groups.
For parents, educators, and policymakers, this should serve as a wake-up call. If we want future generations to not only live longer but also experience happiness and fulfillment, we must address the underlying factors contributing to the decline in young adults’ happiness.
The question now is whether society will heed the warning and take action before this crisis deepens.
