New findings from the World Happiness Report indicate that people around the globe may underestimate the kindness of strangers, which in turn, impacts overall happiness levels.
Strangers Are Kinder Than We Think, Study Reveals
Strangers Are Kinder Than We Think, Study Reveals
A recent study highlights a surprising level of kindness among strangers, suggesting a significant disparity between perception and reality.
In a groundbreaking study published by the World Happiness Report, researchers have discovered that strangers tend to be far kinder than individuals believe. This year’s report featured an innovative experiment involving the deliberate loss of wallets to investigate how many would be returned compared to public expectations. Surprisingly, the wallets were returned at nearly double the rate than anticipated, revealing a pronounced gap between the perception of human kindness and its actual occurrence.
Conducted in various countries, the study emphasizes that the belief in others’ kindness correlates closely with overall happiness levels. Report lead, John F. Helliwell, an economist at the University of British Columbia, highlighted that happiness tends to be heightened in communities where trust and care among individuals are prevalent. The data suggests a universal trend: people are generally quite pessimistic about human behavior.
Notably, Finland has been recognized as the happiest country for the eighth consecutive year, boasting an average happiness score of 7.736 out of 10. The rankings demonstrate not only Finland's ongoing success but also a decline in happiness for countries including the UK and US, which now occupy the 23rd and 24th positions, marking the worst ranking for the US to date.
The 2025 edition of the World Happiness Report presents findings that reveal a decrease in happiness and social trust in the US and parts of Europe, contributing to rising political polarization. Additionally, the study illustrates that communal dining is strongly linked to wellbeing worldwide, and larger households—specifically those comprising four to five people—tend to experience greater happiness levels, particularly in regions like Mexico and Europe.
Jeffrey D. Sachs, president of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, emphasized that these findings reiterate the principle that happiness is heavily rooted in social connections, trust, and kindness. He urged individuals to act in a way that fosters positivity and community well-being. Similarly, Jan-Emmanuel De Neve, director of Oxford’s Wellbeing Research Centre, highlighted the urgency of reestablishing social connections in an era marked by isolation and division.
Conducted in various countries, the study emphasizes that the belief in others’ kindness correlates closely with overall happiness levels. Report lead, John F. Helliwell, an economist at the University of British Columbia, highlighted that happiness tends to be heightened in communities where trust and care among individuals are prevalent. The data suggests a universal trend: people are generally quite pessimistic about human behavior.
Notably, Finland has been recognized as the happiest country for the eighth consecutive year, boasting an average happiness score of 7.736 out of 10. The rankings demonstrate not only Finland's ongoing success but also a decline in happiness for countries including the UK and US, which now occupy the 23rd and 24th positions, marking the worst ranking for the US to date.
The 2025 edition of the World Happiness Report presents findings that reveal a decrease in happiness and social trust in the US and parts of Europe, contributing to rising political polarization. Additionally, the study illustrates that communal dining is strongly linked to wellbeing worldwide, and larger households—specifically those comprising four to five people—tend to experience greater happiness levels, particularly in regions like Mexico and Europe.
Jeffrey D. Sachs, president of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, emphasized that these findings reiterate the principle that happiness is heavily rooted in social connections, trust, and kindness. He urged individuals to act in a way that fosters positivity and community well-being. Similarly, Jan-Emmanuel De Neve, director of Oxford’s Wellbeing Research Centre, highlighted the urgency of reestablishing social connections in an era marked by isolation and division.
