People Unhappier Than Ever

Despite all the promises that the introduction of vaccines against SARS-COV-2 would improve everything and make us all happier, Gallup’s “Negative Experience Index” reached a new high or 33 last year.

Adults in 122 countries and areas were polled last year and asked their previous day was. 31 % of participants said they experienced physical pain, 42% said they had a lot of worry and 41% talked about stress. 28% said they experienced sadness and only just below that at 23% were those who said they were angry.

Stress, worry and sadness were already at record highs in 2020, while most of the world was shut down due to the Coronavirus pandemic, but 2021 set new records. Though, reports of anger did not increase in 2021, in fact dropping a point from 2020’s poll which was 24%.

It may go without saying but while the negative experiences index ticked up, the positive experiences index dropped to 69, the first drop since 2017. Again, participants were asked about experiences the day before.

86% said they were treated with respect, 72% found reasons to smile or laugh a lot, 70% just enjoyed their days and 69% felt well rested. Despite the vaccines, more people died of COVID-19 in 2021 than in 2020, adding to people feeling less well, rested (-3 points) and having less enjoyment (-2).

Afghan participants reported the highest number of negative feelings and experiences in the wake of the Taliban returning to power last year. Afghans were reporting losing the remaining joy they had as the United States pulled its troops out of the country and the Taliban took over again. Gallup reports that Afghanistan was ranked as the least positive country since 2017, but the 32 on the “positive” index is a new record low-for any country Gallup has surveyed in nearly 20 years.

Despite the pandemic being an added stressor while in its second year, Gallup notes that it is not entirely the cause of unhappiness. The world has been headed this way for nearly a decade.

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