Happiness Crash hits Young Americans

America is in the midst of a “happiness crash.” Reports of unhappiness have more than doubled since 2000, according to the General Social Survey. Young adults—ages 18 to 35—have been hit hardest. In the early 2000s, 11% of young adults reported being “not too happy,” compared with 26% today. This crash follows the Digital Revolution, which has eroded opportunities to socialize, date, and marry. Economist Sam Peltzman finds that one of the biggest drivers of declining happiness is the recent retreat from marriage. As virtual life rises and real relationships fall, “the pursuit of happiness” is growing more unattainable for a large minority of Americans—especially the young.

by Isabella Dini, Brad Wilcox