Heavy social media use has led to a stark drop in happiness among young people, according to a major academic study.
Fifteen-year-old girls who use social media for more than five hours a day are the most likely to see a drop in life-satisfaction, the 2026 edition of the World Happiness Report reveals.
The annual study, published by the University of Oxford, asked around 1,000 people to rate their lives from 0 to 10 each year.
Under-25s in English-speaking and Western European countries are also likely to have become unhappy, with scores dropping by almost one point over the past decade.
Advertisement
Young people who use social media for less than an hour a day report the highest levels of well-being, the researchers find.
“It is clear that we should look as much as possible to put the ‘social’ back into social media,” said Jan-Emmanuel De Neve, an Oxford economics professor who directs the Wellbeing Research Centre.
Researchers noted that in some parts of the world, such as the Middle East and South America, the links between social media use and well-being are more positive – and youth well-being has not fallen despite heavy social media use.
Finlandwas crowned the happiest country in the world for the ninth year in a row – whilst other Nordic countries Iceland, Denmark, Sweden and Norway all ranked among the top 10.
The United Kingdom came in 29th – unchanged from last year when it reached its lowest since the World Happiness Report began collecting data.
Advertisement
The UK’s best ranking came nine years ago when it was 13th, in 2019.
A new entry to the top five on the list is Costa Rica, which climbed to fourth place this year after rising through the ranks from 23rd place in 2023.
Image: San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica – which has climbed to fourth place. Pic: Associated Press
“We think it’s because of the quality of their social lives and the stability that they currently enjoy,” De Neve added.
“Latin America more generally has strong family ties, strong social ties, a great level of social capital, as a sociologist would call it, more so than in other places.”
Advertisement
Image: Finnish President Alexander Stubb meets King Charles last week. He said there is no “magic potion” to being a happy country. Pic: Associated Press
Meanwhile the dominance of Nordic nations is put down to a combination of wealth distribution, welfare, and a healthy life expectancy.
Finnish President Alexander Stubbsaid:“I do not think there is a magic potion, but it helps to have a society which strives towards freedom, equality and justice.”
Sarah Michelle Gellar has revealed the one condition that would see her reunite on screen with husband Freddie Prinze Jr — and fans may have to wait a little longer.
Advertisement
The couple, who met on the set of I Know What You Did Last Summer and have been together for more than two decades, remain one of Hollywood’s most beloved love stories.
But while they’ve shared the screen before — most famously in Scooby-Doo — Gellar says timing is everything when it comes to working together again.
‘Never say never,’ she told Metro on the red carpet for Ready or Not 2: Here I Come.
However, she added: ‘Not while our children are still in the house because one of us has to be home at all times. Never say never. I’ve learned that one, but not right now.’
Advertisement
Gellar has spent much of the past decade stepping back from the spotlight to focus on family life.
The actress caught up with Metro on the red carpet for Ready or Not 2 (Picture: Anthony Harvey/Shutterstock)
Gellar and Prinze Jr share two children, Charlotte and Rocky, and she has long been open about prioritising being a present parent over chasing roles.
That’s part of why her recent return to acting has felt so deliberate and exciting.
After a string of defining roles around the late 90s and early 2000s — including Scream 2, Cruel Intentions, Scooby-Doo, and The Grudge — Gellar largely stepped away from major projects, cultivating a quieter life that she shares with more than four million followers on Instagram.
Advertisement
Her comeback began with a turn in Netflix’s Do Revenge in 2022, followed by a leading role in Paramount+’s supernatural drama Wolf Pack.
The actress appeared with co-star Kathryn Newton,as well as directors Matt Bettinelli-Olpin, and Tyler Gillett of Radio Silence (Picture: Anthony Harvey/Shutterstock)
Now, she’s taking on one of her most exciting parts yet.
In Ready or Not 2: Here I Come, the sequel to the cult 2019 horror hit, Gellar plays Ursula Danforth, a villainous role that taps into the same sharp, no-nonsense energy that made her Cruel Intentions performance so iconic.
Speaking to Metro at the film’s premiere, she said embracing the darker side was a major draw: ‘So much fun. Villains get to do all the fun stuff. Like, you know, they get to twist, twirl their mustache and say the crazy shit. Like, it’s fun to be on both sides.’
The film once again leans into its chaotic, satirical ‘eat-the-rich’ themes of the original, though Gellar is happy for audiences to take from it what they will.
Advertisement
Gellar said ‘never say never’ about working with husband Freddie Prinze Jr. again (Picture: Michael Buckner/Variety via Getty Images)
The pair have been together for over two decades (Picture: KMazur/WireImage)
‘I always say it’s up to the audience, right?’ she explained. ‘If you want to go and just have a crazy ride and see this out there crazy fun movie, then go see this movie. If you want to take the messages then do that… the message is there, but only if you feel like taking it.’
The role has already sparked strong reactions, with some calling it her best in 20 years — something she doesn’t entirely dispute.
‘I mean, I loved it. I don’t disagree,’ she said. ‘Ursula was so much fun… it’s one of those things as an actor, you just get lucky.’
For now, any on-screen reunion with her husband will have to wait, but, as Gellar says, never say never.
Got a story?
Advertisement
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
In a meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in the Oval Office, US President Donald Trump was asked why he didn’t inform allies about his plan to attack Iran.
Trump responded by raising Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor during World War II, saying, “Who knows better about surprise than Japan?”
Emergency services were called to the Elie Chain Walk after the alarm was raised at around 11am on Thursday.
A walker has been rushed to hospital after falling from a sea cliff in Fife.
Advertisement
Emergency services were called to the Elie Chain Walk after the alarm was raised at around 11am on Thursday.
Pictures shared with the Record showed an ambulance at the scene alongside a helicopter.
Medics confirmed one person was rushed to the Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy for treatment. Their condition is currently unknown.
The popular route forms part of the Fife Coastal Path and requires walkers to traverse jagged cliffs with the help of vertical chains anchored into the cliff-face and foot and handholds to reduce the risk of falls.
The 500m route comes with several dangers, including becoming trapped by the incoming tide, being struck by falling rocks, and the risk of falling.
A spokesperson for the Scottish Ambulance Service said: “We received a call at 11.41am to attend an incident at Elie Chainwalk.
“An ambulance was dispatched to the scene, and one patient was transported to the Victoria Hospital, Kirkcaldy.”
Advertisement
Get more Daily Record exclusives by signing up for free to Google’s preferred sources. Click HERE.
Former The Only Way Is Essex and Ex On The Beach star Jordan Wright was found dead in a canal in Thailand months after moving to the country for a new start
20:14, 19 Mar 2026Updated 20:16, 19 Mar 2026
The death of former Towie star Jordan Wright is shrouded in mystery after he was found dead in Thailand. The reality TV star died at the age of 33. He was found dead months after he moved to the holiday destination for a ‘new start’.
His body was found in a canal in the country. He had earlier checked into a hotel alone and was seen to be “pacing relentlessly” outside of the building. The devastating discovery was made on the popular island of Phuket.
Police chief Sutthirak Chuthong of Choeng Thale district station said: “The guest was identified as Mr Jordan Wright, a British national, whom the hotel had been unable to contact. A search of the room revealed no signs of forced entry or other irregularities.”
Reports say police had rushed to the scene of the incident near Bang Tao Beach – an idyllic spot popular with tourists. His body was found in the water. He was wearing a grey shirt and black pants, but was barefoot, according to police.
Advertisement
He is thought to still have his key card and in his pocket and a phone was found left on the bank nearby.
Police are said to have been told by hotel staff that the former reality TV star had checked into their accommodation alone. He had reportedly been due to leave the hotel on March 13, but never checked out.
Ensure our latest headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as your Preferred Source in your Google search settings.
Following his death, a spokesperson for The Only Way is Essex said in a statement: “Everyone at Towie sends their deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Jordan Wright at this very sad time.”
Advertisement
Others paying tribute in the comments section of Wright’s last Instagram post include fellow stars of the show. Chloe Brockett wrote: “Rest in peace Jordan.”
Liam “Gatsby” Blackwell, who also appeared on the reality programme, also wrote: “Miss you already, brother. Glad I got to see you in Thailand a couple of months ago. Big love to all your Family.”
A spokesperson from the UK Foreign Office said: “We are supporting the family of a British man who has died in Thailand and are in contact with the local authorities.”
Jordan, who previously dated Vicky Pattison, appeared on TOWIE on series 22 and 23 in 2018. He had previously featured on reality dating series Ex On The Beach. However, he was reported to have been axed from the series after claims suggested he had been filming after taking sick leave from the London Fire Brigade.
Using a heated airer to dry clothes is a smart way to save on bills. The best airers cost mere pennies per hour to run, and come with other benefits, too. Cleverly designed frames, multiple tiers, covers and flexible feet offer versatility for even the heaviest laundry load. In colder months, the increased drying speed helps prevent damp smells in your home, and ensures clothes can be washed and dried as needed (dehumidifiers can help speed up this process further).
Compared with traditional tumble dryers (rather than newer, more expensive heat-pump varieties), airers often win for efficiency and garment care. “Heated airers are far more energy-efficient than a tumble dryer, which can use up to five or six times more electricity per hour,” says Stephen Day, heating engineer at iHeat. “That’s a big difference in both emissions and energy bills. Plus, you’re also reducing wear and tear on clothes, as tumble dryers can be quite harsh on fabrics over time.”
I tested a range of heated clothes airers at different prices, and answered your FAQs below.
Advertisement
The best heated clothes airers: At a glance
How to choose the best heated clothes airers
The type of airer best for your home depends on a few factors.
Laundry capacity: Be realistic about the size of your laundry loads. Biggeris not always better. While large families may need a large airer for regular washing, this also takes up valuable space. One or two-person households might benefit from a smaller heated airer which can be stored easily and doesn’t dominate your living area.
Energy efficiency: Appliance repair expert Ian Palmer-Smith explains that heated airers are a popular option due to their low running costs. The heated airers tested here cost between 7p and 28p per hour to run – measured via a smart plug – whereas a tumble dryer can cost you closer to 75p per hour. “Although you’d probably have to use a heater airer or drying pod for longer at a time, it would likely still cost you much less overall than a tumble dryer load,” he says.
Storage and build quality: A heated airer needs to be sturdy enough to withstand the weight of 10 to 20kg of wet laundry, but also to fold down sufficiently to be stored away without issue. Consider the size of your storage space before you buy.
Both Emily and I have experience testing mattresses, having contributed numerous reviews across our different mattress guides. It’s a difficult job for one obvious reason – they’re huge.
So, for this guide, you’ll find a mixture of products that Emily tested at home and ones I (Rebecca) tested after a week visiting dozens of showrooms across London. I tested sofa beds at the same time, if you’re in the market.
It’s important to note that the best mattress for each individual varies enormously, based on weight, height, pressure points, sleeping position and whether or not you share a bed.
Advertisement
Memory foam mattresses tested at home were slept on for at least a month, to get a true feel for how each one adjusted to the person sleeping on it and whether it helped regulate their temperature, and how durable it was. Edge support (being able to sleep at the edge of the mattress without rolling off) was also considered.
In the showroom, I judged the mattresses on more objective criteria: foam density and thickness, number of layers, temperature-regulating features, sustainability of materials and, of course, comfort.
All reviews are based on independent expert opinion and our hands-on testing. Visit our Who We Are page to learn more.
GREENVILLE, S.C. (AP) — David Punch provided some bulletin-board material this week when he told the Columbus Dispatch that TCU would beat Ohio State “nine times out of 10” because of its athleticism.
On Thursday, Punch and the Horned Frogs backed up his bold talk.
Punch delivered a textbook entry pass to Xavier Edmonds, who converted a layup to beat the shot clock with 4.3 seconds left as No. 9 seed TCU held off a furious second-half rally by eighth-seeded Ohio State for a 66-64 victory to open the first round of the NCAA Tournament.
Bruce Thornton’s half-court heave at the buzzer hit all backboard, and the Buckeyes’ standout senior leaned forward and put his hands on his knees in dismay near midcourt as TCU began its celebration.
Advertisement
Micah Robinson made four 3-pointers and scored 18 points to lead TCU, Edmonds scored 16 and Punch had 16 points and 13 rebounds. The Horned Frogs (23-11) will play Saturday against either No. 16 seed Siena or Duke, the No. 1 overall seed in the tournament.
“I felt like it kind of put a little more pressure on us, but at the same time, I know his words were just a little bit misconstrued and a little twisted,” Edmonds said of Punch’s comments. “That’s not 100 percent how he meant it. Still we seen it, and we felt like we had to stand on it. So we wanted to go out there and make sure we won nine out of 10 times.”
The 6-foot-7 Punch hurt the Buckeyes with his physicality in the paint, but no play was bigger than finding Edmonds for the winner.
“We got it to Punch, and he created some space,” Edmonds said. “He didn’t have a shot he wanted, so he kicked it out to me, and I had a good seal and I just went up with it. Credit to him for making a better pass.”
Advertisement
John Mobley Jr. scored 15 points to lead Ohio State (21-13), which was making its first March Madness appearance since 2022.
TCU built a 15-point halftime lead and appeared in control, only to miss 18 of its first 22 shots to start the second half and fall behind 55-50 with seven minutes left.
“I just thought, I’m not going home like that,” Mobley said. “I’m not going home without putting my all to it. I had a talk at halftime, I’ve just got to do better. I was a little sluggish in the first half, can’t do that.”
The Horned Frogs rallied for a 64-61 advantage on a 3 by Robinson with 56 seconds left. Thornton hit a tying 3 with 33 seconds remaining, and TCU called timeout to set up a final play in the halfcourt.
Advertisement
“What a character check for us down the stretch and just going and executing on every play,” TCU coach Jamie Dixon said. “It was multiple guys in a variety of ways.”
Dixon won’t let his players overrule him again
Dixon said his players convinced him to change up the defense on Ohio State’s possession, which ended with Thornton’s tying 3.
“We guarded it well,” Dixon said. “So I’ll let them get away with that one. It was a tough 3 that they hit.”
Teams entered March Madness in fine form
Both teams came into the tournament playing well. Ohio State won four straight before falling to Michigan 71-67 in the Big Ten Tournament. TCU had won six in a row before losing to Kansas 79-78 in the Big 12 tourney.
Advertisement
Buckeyes find motivation for next season
Mobley said the loss will drive him and his young teammates in the offseason.
“There is a motivation now of getting back here,” Mobley said. “Ohio State has a great repertoire to come here. We want to keep building that. … When the guys come in, we’re going to have that and be ready to go for the summer.”
A total of 16 dates have been announced for 2026, including a stop at Leeds’ O2 Academy on October 16.
The tour marks the alt-rock band’s 40th anniversary and begins in Newcastle on October 1, concluding at London’s O2 Brixton Academy on December 8.
Vocalist and guitarist Miles Hunt said: “When the original line-up of The Wonder Stuff first rehearsed together on March 19th 1986 – exactly forty years ago today – I wonder what our thoughts might have been if Malc Treece and I knew that we would be fortunate enough to still be playing gigs together now?
Advertisement
“Whatever those scruffy young fellas would have thought I can tell you now, all these years later, both of us are incredibly grateful to all of the audiences that have stuck with us these past four decades.
“And it shall be our absolute honour to get up on stage this year and play as many of the old faves as we can to those wonderful people. We are blessed.”
The Wonder Stuff’s long-standing line-up will include Hunt, Malc Treece, Erica Nockalls, Mark Gemini Thwaite, Tim Sewell and Pete Howard.
They will perform a setlist covering their four-decade career, featuring hits such as Unbearable, A Wish Away, and Size of A Cow.
Advertisement
Formed in 1986 in the Birmingham/Black Country area, The Wonder Stuff signed to Polydor Records in 1987 and released four Top 20 albums between 1988 and 1994.
Joining them as special guests on the tour are Madchester favourites Inspiral Carpets.
Inspiral Carpets said: “We are looking forward to hitting the road later this year with our mates The Wonder Stuff.
“Expect a set full of our garage pop hit singles and maybe a couple of surprises… see you down front.”
A venue pre-sale will take place from 10.00am on Wednesday, March 25, before going on general sale at 10.00am on Friday, March 27, available from www.thewonderstuff.co.uk.
The former world champion boxer was found dead at the age of 46 last year
A full inquest into the death of former world champion boxer Ricky Hatton will begin on Friday.
Advertisement
The British sporting legend was found dead at the age of 46 at his home in Hyde, Greater Manchester, on September 14 last year, leaving the world of boxing stunned as tributes poured in from across the globe. Police said at the time that there was not believed to be any suspicious circumstances surrounding the tragedy, but referred Hatton’s death to the coroner.
An inquest into the boxer’s death was then opened in October, with the hearing at South Manchester Coroners’ Court in Stockport seeing senior coroner Alison Mutch give the provisional cause of death as ‘hanging’.
The inquest was then adjourned until March 20 (Friday), with further details of his final days and the events in the lead-up to his death now set to be made public as the full inquest begins.
Inquests are opened by coroners when there is reasonable cause to suspect that a death has occurred due to anything other than natural causes. While there is no exact legal definition of a ‘natural’ cause of death, it is typically described as “death due to a disease running its full course with no other intervening factors”.It comes after Hatton’s friend and manager Paul Speak, who found the boxing legend’s body after coming to his house to take him to the airport, revealed “the truth” about what happened to him.
Advertisement
“The lights weren’t on, which I thought was strange,” Speak told Boxing News after news of Hatton’s death broke. “I thought he’d overslept, but it’s not unusual. People do oversleep.
“So, I went inside – I have a key – shouting, ‘Rick, Rick, wake up! I heard music coming from upstairs, so I went upstairs… I took a look at him… I had to take some time to process it.
“I was in a state of shock and confusion and loss and many more emotions,” he added. “Then I called the police and the ambulance. But I firmly believe he didn’t intend to do it. It’s for the coroner to determine, but he had it all to live for.”
Maintaining that Hatton – who had been open about his struggles with mental health in recent years – had been “in a really good place” before his sudden death, Speak continued: “He’d arranged to take his daughters to see Oasis next week.
“He was planning to go to Thailand for the WBC convention and a holiday after his fight. He’d just booked a flight to Tenerife for Christmas. I want to get the truth out, otherwise people will just speculate.”
Thousands of people lined the streets of Manchester to pay their respects to Hatton ahead of his funeral service at the city’s cathedral in October, with Wayne Rooney and Liam Gallagher among those attending.
Speaking at the service, the former champion boxer’s 13-year-old daughter Millie delivered a heartbreaking eulogy, asking him “why didn’t you reach out?”.
Advertisement
Addressing the packed cathedral, she said: “I can’t help but think about how you will never walk me down the aisle, how you will never meet my children and your grandchildren, how you won’t be here to see me leave school or even see me grow into an adult.
“Why did you feel that way? Why didn’t you reach out about how you felt? I genuinely hope you don’t ever think you have let me down, because I would never think that. I love and miss you unconditionally.”
Anyone can contact Samaritans FREE any time from any phone on 116 123, even a mobile without credit. This number won’t show up on your phone bill. Or you can jo@samaritans.org or visit www.samaritans.org
While the US has concentrated much of its military effort on degrading Iran’s missile and drone capability, sinking its Navy and, in recent days, attacking targets along Iran’s long Gulf shoreline, Israel has gone to great lengths to assassinate Iran’s leaders and attack elements of state control, including paramilitary Basij units responsible for much of the violent crackdown on protests earlier this year.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login