The crisis of the 20s is the new crisis of the 40s: The problems of young people erase the happiness curve.
For decades, the classic happiness curve had a clear pattern: optimistic youth, a midlife slump, and a rebound in old age. But something has changed. Today, the curve is shifting, and the happiness of Generation Z is rewriting the timeline of unhappiness.
### The study that changes the theory
A study analyzing over 10 million surveys in the US, UK, and 44 countries, including Spain, has brought clear conclusions: the classic happiness curve has been disrupted. Researchers like David G. Blanchflower highlight the consistency of the data on a global scale, unprecedented in well-being studies.
### Young people trapped in the digital age
While not the primary focus of the study, researchers point to clear suspects for this shift: the pandemic, housing crisis, and, above all, the impact of smartphones. These devices are increasingly replacing real play, dialogue, and free time, leading to early-onset anxiety, depression, and a growing sense of emptiness.
### A clear gender gap
Studies confirm that young women report more distress than men, a trend seen in other research on the impact of social media on mental health. In Spain, the HBSC report revealed that emotional problems affect 51.2% of girls compared to 25.2% of boys, reflecting a clear gender gap in well-being.
### A potentially darker future?
Experts warn that today’s young people, when reaching their 40s or 50s, may face a crisis similar to previous generations but built upon a foundation of chronic discomfort established during adolescence.
### Reclaiming lost time
Suggestions to reverse this trend include limiting digital dependence and promoting alternatives like bringing back street games, social gatherings, and outdoor activities. As Blanchflower puts it, the key is to “encourage kids to behave like kids” – a simple recipe that may prove challenging to implement in a world increasingly absorbed by screens.
