The World Happiness Report is beset with methodological problems
4 days ago
- #happiness metrics
- #World Happiness Report
- #misinformation
- The World Happiness Report is criticized for its methodological flaws and misleading conclusions.
- The report relies on the Cantril Ladder question, which measures life satisfaction rather than happiness and may bias responses toward wealth and success.
- Scandinavian countries, often ranked as the happiest, show high rates of antidepressant use and suicide, contradicting happiness claims.
- Alternative research by Blanchflower and Bryson using multiple indicators shows different rankings, with some U.S. states outperforming Scandinavian countries.
- The report is accused of spreading 'elite misinformation' and lacks critical scrutiny from media and institutions.
- Attempts to replace GDP with happiness metrics may be misguided due to the difficulty in measuring happiness and determining effective policies.