Finland tops happiness rankings as report flags social media risks

“Platforms built to connect are increasingly driving comparison, and in doing so, reshaping not just how people interact but how they value their own lives.”

Finland has been ranked the world’s happiest country in the latest World Happiness Report, which also highlighted concerns over the impact of heavy social media use on youth well-being, particularly on platforms driven by algorithmic content and influencer culture.

The 2026 report found that increased time spent on social media is associated with declining well-being among young people in several regions, with researchers pointing to structural features of platforms as a key factor shaping user experience and mental health outcomes.

Researchers involved in the report said that while social media remains a central mode of interaction for younger populations, its effects vary significantly depending on how platforms are designed and used. Jan-Emmanuel De Neve, one of the contributors to the report, said there is a need to restore the original purpose of online interaction.

“It is clear that we should look as much as possible to put the ‘social’ back into social media,” De Neve said, underscoring concerns that current platform dynamics may be undermining meaningful engagement.

The report identified heavy social media use as an important contributing factor to declining youth well-being in some countries, although it stopped short of presenting it as the sole cause. Researchers noted that broader social, cultural and economic factors also play a role in shaping outcomes.

According to the findings, platforms that rely heavily on algorithmic feeds, promote influencers and prioritize visual content tend to have more negative associations with well-being. These features, the report said, encourage social comparison, which can adversely affect users’ perceptions of themselves and their lives.

By contrast, platforms that primarily facilitate direct communication between users were associated with relatively better outcomes. The distinction highlights how platform architecture, rather than mere usage levels, can influence the psychological effects of digital interaction.

Researchers emphasized that these patterns are not uniform across regions. In parts of the Middle East and South America, the relationship between social media use and well-being appears to be more positive, and youth well-being has not shown the same levels of decline despite high usage rates.

The report attributed these differences to a range of factors that vary by region, including social norms, patterns of use and broader societal conditions.

Finland retained its position at the top of the global happiness rankings, continuing a trend seen in recent years. The report’s broader findings also pointed to a shift in the geographic distribution of high-ranking countries.

For the second consecutive year, none of the English-speaking countries featured in the top 10. The United States ranked 23rd, Canada 25th and Britain 29th, reflecting a relative decline compared to other regions.

The rankings are based on a range of indicators that assess quality of life and subjective well-being, though the report highlighted that digital behavior is emerging as an increasingly relevant factor in shaping these outcomes.

The report’s focus on social media comes amid growing policy attention worldwide, as governments assess the potential risks posed by digital platforms to younger users. Several countries have already introduced restrictions or are considering bans on social media use for minors.

Researchers said the findings could inform ongoing regulatory discussions by highlighting how specific design features of platforms may influence user well-being. The emphasis on algorithm-driven content and visual engagement aligns with broader concerns raised by policymakers and public health experts.

While the report does not prescribe specific policy measures, it points to the need for a more nuanced understanding of how digital environments interact with social and psychological factors.

“It is clear that we should look as much as possible to put the ‘social’ back into social media.”