Recent findings from a global emotional health survey indicate a trend toward increased happiness among people worldwide. An impressive nine out of ten respondents reported feeling respected, while over 70% said they had smiled or laughed recently. It seems like we might be turning that frown upside down, or at least capturing some quality “grin time” for Instagram.
However, all that glitters isn’t gold—there’s a significant divide in emotional health based on geographical and social factors. Residents of poorer and politically unstable regions are experiencing more stress and anger. Younger adults, too, are feeling the heat, reporting greater levels of frustration compared to their older counterparts. So, while Denmark shines as the beacon of happiness with the highest enjoyment levels, the shadows of discontent linger elsewhere.
This complex emotional landscape raises an important question: Is happiness a luxury that only some can afford? As we globally cheer up, could the disparities in feelings remind us that not everyone’s on the same happy train? It’s a reminder that while many celebrate their joy, others are still grappling with the daily grind. So, what do you think—are we genuinely getting happier, or are some simply left in the dust?
About the Author
Andrew Johnson
hello I'm Andrew and I built LocalBeat!




