Many of us might presume that people living in developed countries such the U.S., Japan, and other “modernized” countries would be happier than people living in less developed countries, right? It might be because we have more modern conveniences, technology, and sources of entertainment and leisure, etc. But new research suggests that actually, the opposite seems to be true -- people in less developed countries are happier than we are:

According to an MTV Networks International (MTVNI) global survey that covered more than 5,400 young people in 14 countries, only 43 percent of the world’s 16- to 34-year-olds say they are happy with their lives. MTVNI said this figure was dragged down by young people in the developed world, including those in Britain and the United States where fewer than 30 percent of young people said they were happy with the way things were.

Only eight percent in Japan said they were happy. Reasons for unhappiness across the developed world included a lack of optimism, concern over jobs and pressure to succeed. In developing countries a majority in the same age group expected their lives to be more enjoyable in the future, led by China with 84 percent.

“The happier young people of the developing world are also the most religious,” the survey said.

So is this simply a case of ignorance being bliss? In other words, is it that people in less developed countries are just unaware of the “real” issues that we in modernized countries have to face? I don’t think so. I think there is something to the argument that more developed countries have more stress due to pressures to succeed, etc.

That’s not saying that people in less developed countries are lazy or that they don’t aspire to improve their lives. To the contrary, I think they are just as eager to do so as we in modernized countries are. I think the difference is that we place too much emphasis on the outcome of that pursuit and if we fail, that it is a fundamental reflection of our self-worth, whereas those in less developed countries aren’t so necessarily attached to the the importance of material success.

I also think that modern technologies and conveniences such as cell phones, iPods, etc. can be entertaining, but also have the possibility of increasing our stress levels if they lead to an “arms race” where we feel that we have to have the latest technology to keep up with our friends, etc. Is the answer to give up all modern conveniences?

Absolutely not. I think part of the answer is being happy is, as any Buddhist would tell you, is to work hard and enjoy life, but not become attached to success or failure, as they are not the ultimate sources of happiness or misery -- we ourselves are.