Commentary: Why are Singapore youths less happy than their elders?
While Singapore's youths may live in Asia's happiest country statistically, the reality of their experiences paints a more complex picture, says psychiatrist Lim Boon Leng.

File photo of people in Singapore crossing a street. (Photo: TODAY)
This audio is generated by an AI tool.
SINGAPORE: Who truly has it better, the young or the old?
This has been a topic of conversation for centuries, debated over kitchen tables, in classrooms and across social media. Yet, the answer remains elusive.
Mr Lee Hsien Loong, in an interview with Singapore media a few weeks before his May 15 handover of the Prime Minister baton to Lawrence Wong, said: “As an old man, I envy the young men and women ... I wish I had been born later.” He added that they enjoy opportunities that did not exist in his generation and have a better quality of living.
According to the 2024 World Happiness Report, however, it seems that globally, and in Singapore, today’s youth are less happy than their elders. The data suggests a happiness divide with those aged 60 and above happier than those below 30.
YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH TAKES CENTRE STAGE
In my interactions with younger people, I have noticed that they are often jaded and tired. What concerns me the most are the complaints about the lack of self-direction and a sense of meaninglessness in their lives.
Aside from anecdotes, we have a barrage of evidence pointing to poorer mental health in the youths of Singapore.
According to a survey conducted by Duke-NUS Medical School and the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) in 2022, 12 per cent of young individuals showed symptoms consistent with depression, while about 13 per cent showed symptoms consistent with anxiety. Overall, 16.2 per cent of youths reported having symptoms consistent with at least one of these conditions.
The National Population Health Survey in 2022 revealed that adults between the ages of 18 to 29 had the highest percentage of poor mental health, with 25.3 per cent reporting such issues.
In line with these studies, the annual proportion of children or adolescents being prescribed antidepressants increased from 3.4 per cent to 4.1 per cent over the five years between 2017 and 2021. Similarly, young adult prescriptions increased from 11.2 per cent to 15.5 per cent during the same period.
The escalating mental health challenges faced by youths have reached a critical juncture.
In February, Mr Wong addressed this issue during a parliamentary motion aimed at advancing mental health initiatives. He emphasised the need for more research and a fundamental shift in our perception of success, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
“WHAT IS THE POINT?”
In understanding why young Singaporeans are unhappy, a few culprits often come to mind: Social media, and the academic and work environment.
Today's youth face a world that is vastly different from that of previous generations. With the rapid pace of technological advancements, the omnipresence of social media, and an increasingly globalised society, unique stressors present themselves. These tools, while designed to connect us, often foster a sense of isolation and inadequacy.
For instance, social media can distort reality, setting unrealistic benchmarks for personal success and happiness. The constant exposure to curated portrayals of others' lives can lead to feelings of inadequacy, anxiety, and depression.
Many young people lament that instead of forming camaraderie in full-time national service or socialising on school campuses, most interactions are now in group chats. They find it hard to find time or opportunities to meet new people and have trouble looking for meaningful romantic partnerships from dating apps.
In Singapore, the education system is still based on academic success. This can be both psychologically and emotionally draining, with young people often feeling that they are in a relentless race for academic excellence - a race with elusive and intangible rewards. Even for those with high academic achievements, the promise of a fulfilling and secure future remains questionable with an ever-increasing cost of living.
The daunting reality that despite their best efforts, they are unlikely to surpass their parents' success, in a society that has already reached remarkable heights, adds an extra layer of complexity. This environment can lead to burnout and a questioning of the purpose of their efforts, diminishing the perceived value of their hard work and achievements.
Simply put, “What is the point?”
CONNECTED YET ALONE
To address this existential discontent among local youths, we can examine the psychological frameworks of Abraham Maslow's hierarchy of needs theory and Erik Erikson's stages of psychosocial development.
Maslow's hierarchy categorises human needs from basic necessities such as food and safety to higher levels such as belonging, esteem, and ultimately, self-actualisation, where individuals realise their full potential. However, when young people are primarily focused on academic success, their higher needs, particularly esteem and self-actualisation, may not be adequately met.
Similarly, Erikson’s model describes eight stages that individuals typically go through from infancy to adulthood, facing specific psychosocial conflicts that shape their identities. In this context, the stages of identity versus role confusion and intimacy versus isolation are crucial for young adults developing personal identities and intimate relationships.
A highly competitive academic system may hinder these developmental stages, which can lead to role confusion and social isolation, ultimately affecting their overall happiness and well-being.
The existential isolation can be particularly poignant for youths in today's digital age, where virtual connections might seem abundant but are often superficial. The paradox of being "connected" yet feeling alone is a common plight that can lead to sadness as young individuals struggle to form deep, meaningful relationships in an increasingly disconnected world.
FINDING MEANING
The existential discontent among Singapore's youth poses significant questions about the country's future. As a nation that relies heavily on its human capital, Singapore must consider the long-term implications of a workforce that is both high-performing and increasingly burnt out or disenchanted.
A persistent drive for academic and economic supremacy could undermine the holistic well-being of its citizens, which could stifle creativity and innovation over time.
Is the pendulum swinging to the other side with young people choosing “tang ping” (a Chinese expression that describes those who reject societal pressures to overwork and over-achieve), choosing to "lie flat" with a more indifferent attitude towards life?
For youths feeling sad and complaining of meaninglessness, engaging in self-reflection to understand their true desires and values can be a starting point. Finding meaning can be a personal journey of connecting with others authentically, choosing paths that resonate with their inner selves, and embracing the freedom to forge their destinies despite the inherent uncertainties of life.
While Singapore's youths may live in Asia's happiest country statistically, the reality of their experiences paints a more complex picture. Young Singaporeans need to realise that happiness should not be an ephemeral state achieved through external accolades.
Instead, it can be redefined as a byproduct of engaging in meaningful activities that align with one's values and contribute to the welfare of others. That way, they can experience a more durable and fulfilling sense of satisfaction and purpose.
Dr Lim Boon Leng is a psychiatrist at the Gleneagles Medical Centre.