A new study reveals that happiness does not peak in youth, as previously thought, but instead increases with age. Co-authored by Jean Twenge and David Blanchflower, this research analyzed data from surveys across six English-speaking countries and found significant declines in happiness among young adults. Particularly concerning is the increased psychological distress observed in adolescents aged 12 to 25. The study highlights the impact of digital technology and economic uncertainty as potential contributors to rising unhappiness in younger generations, indicating a shift away from the previously accepted U-shaped happiness curve.
The study challenges the traditional view that happiness reaches its peak in youth, revealing that young adults today are reporting significantly lower levels of happiness than previous generations.
Co-authors Jean Twenge and David Blanchflower highlight that the increase in despair among youth, particularly adolescents aged 12-25, reflects unprecedented challenges, particularly in a digital age.
This research suggests a paradigm shift in understanding life satisfaction, marking a departure from the U-shaped happiness curve toward a reality where older adults enjoy greater satisfaction as younger adults struggle.
The findings underscore the alarming trend of increasing psychological distress among younger generations, drawing attention to how rising digital engagement negatively impacts their overall well-being.
Collection
[
|
...
]