A comprehensive global study conducted by the University of Oxford’s Wellbeing Research Centre has categorized social media platforms based on their psychological impact. The findings suggest that apps relying on automated algorithms cause more damage.

The report highlights a direct correlation between time spent on Instagram and TikTok and the prevalence of mental health issues among young people. This troubling trend is particularly severe in Western Europe and various English-speaking countries.

In contrast, the study found that users of WhatsApp and Facebook often experience higher life satisfaction. These platforms are primarily used for direct social connection with real-life acquaintances rather than passive, algorithm-driven content consumption.

Professor Jan-Emmanuel De Neve, the report’s editor, emphasized the urgent need to return the “social” aspect to digital media. He urged providers to nudge users toward meaningful connections rather than endless, mindless scrolling.

The 2026 happiness index shows that for the ninth consecutive year, Finland remains the happiest country globally. Meanwhile, the UK and USA have dropped significantly in rankings due to rising anxiety among their youth populations.

Factors such as job insecurity and the future of work also contribute to this decline in happiness. For the first time, no English-speaking nation made it into the top ten list of the world’s happiest countries.