Why Americans Under 30 Are So Miserable
12 days ago
- #Mental Health
- #World Happiness Report
- #Gen Z
- The U.S. ranks 24th in the 2025 World Happiness Report, its lowest ever, largely due to unhappiness among Americans under 30.
- Young Americans face loneliness, with nearly one in four aged 18-24 eating all meals alone, a 50% increase in solo dining over two decades.
- Weak social support networks leave young Americans feeling disconnected and unsupported, contributing to declining well-being.
- Economic struggles, including student debt, unaffordable housing, and job insecurity, make the 'American Dream' feel out of reach for many under 30.
- Social media exacerbates mental health issues, fostering anxiety, depression, and loneliness through constant digital comparison.
- The traditional U-shaped happiness curve has collapsed for young Americans, making early adulthood one of the unhappiest life stages.
- Solutions include rebuilding social connections, prioritizing mental health, economic reforms, and regulating digital spaces to reduce toxicity.
- The decline in youth happiness signals deeper societal issues, requiring policy and cultural shifts to restore optimism.