"The World Happiness Report: Uncovering Changing Happiness Levels Across Generations"

The World Happiness Report, which ranks countries by happiness, relies on the Cantril Ladder, a single-question survey that may inadvertently measure status rather than overall well-being. Researchers found that different versions of the question elicited different associations, with the original ladder framing emphasizing power and wealth. This highlights the influence of cultural metaphors on survey results and the potential impact of social comparison on happiness. The report's focus on country rankings may reinforce a competitive view that hinders happiness, while social media and income inequality contribute to unhappiness by fueling social comparison.