Islamabad(The COW News Digital)A growing number of young adults in the United States are struggling with declining happiness, weaker social connections and uncertainty about the future, according to a new Gallup survey examining life satisfaction among Generation Z.
The findings from Gallup’s Life Evaluation Index reveal that 27 percent of Americans aged 18 to 29 are receiving treatment for depression, an increase of 11 percentage points compared with 2019. The results highlight growing concerns about the emotional well-being of young people as they navigate economic pressures, changing social habits and an increasingly digital world.
According to the survey, only 44 percent of young adults in this age group believe their lives are progressing toward prosperity and well-being. The figure stood at 64 percent in 2010 before gradually declining over subsequent years.
Young adults’ outlook deteriorated during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the proportion reporting positive life evaluations fell to 39 percent in 2020. Although the figure recovered to 51 percent in 2023, the survey indicates that the improvement was not sustained.
Psychologist Dr. Katrina Fiori, based in Connecticut, identified several challenges that may have influenced the experiences of Generation Z. These include extensive smartphone and social media use, rising housing costs and the disruption of everyday social activities during the pandemic.
Fiori noted that reduced opportunities for social interaction during important stages of adolescence and early adulthood could have lasting consequences. Research has also identified associations between social media use, depression and eating-related psychological difficulties, although these relationships do not establish that social media alone causes such problems.
The survey also found a significant decline in young adults’ satisfaction with their personal relationships. Only 47 percent said their relationships with a spouse, partner or close friend had become stronger, compared with 65 percent in 2019.
Daily happiness showed a similar downward trend. Just 64 percent of respondents said they had experienced happiness the previous day, representing a decline of 17 percentage points from 2019. Meanwhile, only 28 percent reported feeling engaged and productive throughout every day of the previous week.
Young adults also expressed concerns about personal achievements and future prospects. Approximately one-third said they had someone in their lives who inspired them to feel optimistic about the future, compared with 47 percent in 2019.
Furthermore, only 31 percent reported accomplishing most of their goals during the previous 12 months, down from 44 percent in the earlier comparison. Just 41 percent said they were satisfied with their quality of life relative to people around them.
The decline in life satisfaction extends beyond Generation Z. Among Americans aged 30 to 44, commonly associated with the Millennial generation, 45 percent considered their lives to be progressing toward prosperity. The corresponding figure among adults aged 45 to 64 was 46 percent, matching a low recorded for Generation X in 2008.
Older Americans reported a more positive trend. Among people aged 65 and above, the proportion evaluating their lives positively increased from 38 percent in 2008 to 53 percent in 2026.
The findings underline the importance of understanding young adults’ mental health, social relationships and financial circumstances. However, the survey does not establish a single cause for declining happiness, suggesting that further research is needed to understand the factors shaping the well-being of younger generations.
