Most young Americans are struggling — but not all.
The 2025 World Happiness Report ranks Americans aged 18 to 29 at just 62nd out of 140 countries for self-reported well-being and life satisfaction — a sharp contrast to the overall U.S. adult population, which sits at 24th.
Yet a small group of young adults are defying the trend. In conversations with The Post, several described a key factor behind their happiness: dramatically reducing time spent on platforms like Instagram and TikTok. That’s a notable shift, considering the average Gen Zer spends about 75% of their day consuming digital content.
“Social media, in and of itself, is a very negative and toxic place,” said Kevin Alexander, a self-described happy 28-year-old from Southern Florida. “I don’t use it that much.”
Born with cerebral palsy, Alexander uses crutches to walk and says his condition taught him early on that “comparison is the thief of joy.” That perspective led him to steer clear of social media altogether — a decision he believes has played a major role in his overall well-being.
“I happen to be physically disabled, so I tend to seek out the positive,” Alexander explained. “I’ve faced plenty of negativity in my life — surgeries, stigma, and more — so focusing on the good feels essential.”
Alexander recently earned a master’s degree in history and is currently applying to PhD programs while working on a collection of personal essays. He credits his intellectual pursuits as another key source of his optimism and well-being.
“I read a lot, and I try to stay in my own head rather than pay attention to the external noise,” he said. “I get so immersed in my books and writing that I can disappear from the world for hours at a time.”
Ben Feinblum, a 20-year-old business sophomore at Georgia Tech, believes social media is dragging his generation down and attributes his positive mindset to limiting his use of it.
“Social media makes people too comfortable being alone—and even when they’re with others, they’re still on their phones, texting people who aren’t even there,” said the New Rochelle native.
Feinblum disables notifications on non-essential apps like Instagram, and he and his friends have developed habits to stay present when they’re together.
“My friends are very aware of who’s on their phone and will call them out,” he said. “We stack our phones on the table, and whoever grabs theirs first has to pay the dinner tip.”
Sarah-Elisabeth Ellison, a notably upbeat 20-year-old sophomore at Samford University in Alabama, also takes steps to limit her social media use when it starts to feel overwhelming.
“I’ve learned to recognize when Instagram, Snapchat, or TikTok are affecting me negatively, and I tell myself to delete them for a week or two,” she said.
She also steers clear of “bed rotting”—a Zoomer trend of wallowing in bed—in favor of healthier activities.
“Instead, I choose to go for a walk outside or read a book,” she said. “Sometimes you need to escape your situation, and I believe reading is the best way to do that.”
Daily journaling has also helped Ellison, who struggled with anxiety during her teenage years.
“Getting my thoughts out and exercising my writing skills always gives my serotonin a boost,” she said. “I try to list five things I’m grateful for each day.”
Nearly all the happy Zoomers The Post spoke with pointed to their religion as a key source of their happiness.
“Growing up with a dad who’s a pastor has always influenced me,” Ellison said. “My faith has changed and fluctuated over time, but it has consistently been there for me to rely on.”
For Alexander, his Christian faith has helped him view his disability in a positive light.
“The fact that I’m still here 28 years later makes me believe God has a purpose for me,” he said. “I have physical limitations, but He has preserved my ability to speak, think, and write well. Believing I have a purpose prevents me from falling into the generational nihilism.”
Dubinsky, a therapist, says marrying early at 25 and starting a family soon after has given her a stronger sense of purpose. She has a nearly 2-year-old son and is seven months pregnant.
“I make time for myself, but most of my day is spent helping others, caring for my family, and looking after my baby,” she said. “I think the biggest problem in my generation is a lack of meaning. Many people my age focus on themselves, serving their own interests and constantly seeking more pleasure.”
