For years, researchers have observed a consistent U-shaped pattern in well-being, where happiness tends to decline in midlife and increase again in older age. However, recent studies suggest that this well-established trend may be undergoing significant changes due to a series of unprecedented global events and rapid technological advancements.
The Great Recession of 2008, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the surge in smartphone usage have collectively altered the trajectory of well-being across different age groups, particularly among younger generations. A recent analysis by Blanchflower and Bryson (2023, 2024) highlights how these factors have reshaped the social landscape, causing noticeable shifts in mental health and life satisfaction.
The “Scarring” Effect of Economic Shocks
One of the major factors contributing to this shift is the “scarring” effect of economic shocks like the Great Recession. When new cohorts enter the labor market during a severe economic downturn, they face long-lasting challenges in employment prospects and wage growth. This “scarring” effect has had a particularly profound impact on young people, leaving them with permanent setbacks rather than temporary difficulties.
The labor market’s slow recovery following the Great Recession exacerbated these challenges, leading to a sustained decline in well-being among younger generations. Older individuals have also been affected, but the long-term consequences appear to be more pronounced among the youth, suggesting that the Great Recession has left an indelible mark on their mental health.
The Role of Technology and Social Media
Another significant factor contributing to the changing patterns of well-being is the rapid rise in smartphone usage and the proliferation of social media. Since the launch of the iPhone in 2007, smartphones have become an integral part of daily life, particularly for young people. The increased reliance on social media platforms has introduced new forms of social comparison, leading to greater dissatisfaction with one’s own life in comparison to others.
While the correlation between increased screen time and declining mental health among young people is clear, establishing causation remains a challenge. Nevertheless, studies have shown that restricting access to smartphones can lead to significant improvements in self-reported well-being, raising concerns about the long-term impact of technology on mental health.
Decline in Adolescent Mental Health
The decline in adolescent mental health has been well-documented over the past decade, with alarming trends emerging in both the United States and the United Kingdom. For instance, the Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revealed a sharp increase in the percentage of female high school students who have seriously considered suicide, rising from 19% in 2011 to 30% in 2021.
Similarly, studies in England have shown a significant rise in the number of children with probable mental disorders, increasing from 1 in 9 in 2017 to 1 in 6 in 2020. These trends suggest a worsening mental health crisis among adolescents, further complicating the traditional U-shaped well-being curve.
The Future of Well-Being
The disruption of the well-being U-shape has raised critical questions about the future of mental health across generations. While some researchers argue that the rise in mental illness among young people may be a temporary response to recent crises, others fear it could signal a more permanent shift in the relationship between age and well-being.
As ongoing research continues to explore the impact of these major shocks, one thing is clear: the world has changed, and with it, the patterns of well-being that once seemed so predictable. The challenge now lies in understanding these changes and finding ways to support the mental health of future generations in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.
