World Happiness Report 2026. Chapter 8: Internet Use, Social Media, and Wellbeing: The Role of Trust, Social Connections, and Emotional Bonds.
In this chapter of the World Happiness Report 2026, Zeynep Ozkok, Jonathan Rosborough, and Brandon Malloy examine how internet use and social media affect wellbeing through interpersonal factors such as trust, social connections, and emotional bonds. Rather than focusing only on screen time or problematic use, the chapter shifts attention to the social context in which digital interactions occur, highlighting that the quality of relationships plays a central role in shaping wellbeing outcomes.
Internet Use and Social Relationships
The chapter emphasizes that internet and social media use are deeply embedded in social life. Digital platforms can facilitate communication, maintain relationships, and expand social networks.
In this sense, online interactions can complement offline relationships by strengthening existing ties or enabling new forms of connection. The impact on wellbeing therefore depends not only on usage patterns but also on how individuals engage socially through these platforms.
Trust and Wellbeing
A key variable explored in the chapter is trust. Higher levels of interpersonal trust are associated with better wellbeing outcomes, and digital environments can either reinforce or undermine this trust.
Positive online experiences (such as supportive interactions and reliable communication) can strengthen trust between individuals. Conversely, exposure to misinformation, hostility, or negative interactions can erode trust and reduce wellbeing.
The findings suggest that trust acts as an important channel through which internet use influences life satisfaction.
Social Connections and Emotional Bonds
The strength and quality of social connections are central to the relationship between digital use and wellbeing. Individuals who use social media to maintain meaningful relationships tend to report better outcomes.
Emotional bonds, including feelings of belonging and support, play a critical role. When digital platforms are used to reinforce these bonds, they can contribute positively to wellbeing. However, weaker or more superficial interactions may offer limited benefits.
This distinction highlights that not all forms of online engagement are equally valuable.
Heterogeneous Effects of Digital Use
The chapter shows that the effects of internet use are heterogeneous and context-dependent. The same platforms can produce different outcomes depending on users’ social environments and the nature of their interactions.
Individuals with strong social networks and higher trust levels are more likely to benefit from digital connectivity. In contrast, those with weaker social ties may experience fewer gains or even negative effects.
This reinforces the idea that digital technologies interact with existing social structures rather than operating independently of them.
Reference
Ozkok, Z., Rosborough, J., & Malloy, B. (2026). Internet use, social media, and wellbeing: The role of trust, social connections, and emotional bonds. En World Happiness Report 2026. University of Oxford: Wellbeing Research Centre. https://doi.org/10.18724/whr-ewft-vq17