A global study led by Oxford University's Wellbeing Research Centre reveals Instagram and TikTok harm youth mental health more than WhatsApp and Facebook. Algorithm-driven scrolling negatively impacts wellbeing versus social connection-focused platforms.
Excessive use of visual, passive social media correlates with lower life satisfaction, especially in English-speaking countries. The UK's happiness level hit its lowest point since 2012.
Limited social media use-under one hour daily-boosts wellbeing, though average usage is 2.5 hours. Australia's ban on social media for under-16s provides a critical test for other nations.
Finland remains the world's happiest country for the ninth consecutive year. The UK ranks 29th globally, while the US places 23rd.