Summary
A UN-commissioned study finds that youth happiness has declined sharply over the past decade in English-speaking countries.
Traditionally, happiness followed a U-shape, with youth being a peak period, but it now increases with age instead.
Researchers link this shift to social media, cyberbullying, and reduced social interaction.
The mental health crisis may have significant consequences that affect education, workforce participation, and productivity. The UN is investigating whether this trend is a global phenomenon.
There are several studies that verified the u shape until this generation.
After high school graduation, young adults could afford college or an ok quality of life job. It wouldn’t be great, but it would be ok enough along with no responsibilities. You also had media presenting a relatively obtainable quality of life, so there wasn’t a large hedonism treadmill.
Those kinds of economic conditions aren’t around anymore.