The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos How to Make America's Young People Happier Again
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Apr 8, 2024 Jan-Emmanuel De Neve, an Oxford economist and well-being expert, dives into the troubling decline of happiness among America's youth, especially post-COVID. He highlights alarming trends contrasting Gen Z's struggles with the rising joy seen in regions like Lithuania. The discussion includes the impact of social media on mental health and the urgent need for practical strategies to enhance community connection. De Neve also emphasizes innovative education approaches, advocating for happiness skills in curricula to empower young people toward a brighter future.
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Adolescent Well-being Predicts Adult Success
- Adolescent well-being strongly predicts adult outcomes, including earnings, even when controlling for family background.
- Prioritizing adolescent well-being is crucial, both for their present and future success.
Shifting Well-being Curve
- Historically, well-being follows a U-shape, declining from childhood to midlife, then rising.
- This pattern has changed in North America; youth well-being is now lower than adults'.
Global Well-being Convergence
- While North American youth well-being declines, it rises elsewhere, like Sub-Saharan Africa.
- Global well-being may be converging due to decreasing global inequalities.