Wellbeing in the Digital Age
Exclusive global data from the 2026 World Happiness Report offers new insight into how social media and technology shape wellbeing across ages and cultures. Drawing on Gallup data and analysis from the Oxford Wellbeing Research Centre and the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, the report moves beyond simplistic debates about screen time to deliver a nuanced, evidence-based view of digital life and happiness.
Led by Semafor editors, The State of Happiness 2026 will examine what the research reveals about loneliness, empathy, and connection in a digital world — and how leaders across technology, institutions, and communities can foster deeper human connection.
When
March 19, 2026
Doors: 8:30 a.m. EDT
Programming: 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. EDT
Where
Washington, D.C.
Speakers
Dr. Catalina Crespo-Sancho
Costa Rican Ambassador to the U.S.
Gretchen Rubin
Author; Founder, The Happiness Project
Jennifer Wallace
Journalist, Author & Founder of The Mattering Institute
Carson Domey
Executive Director, Coalition for Student Wellbeing (C4SW)
Jon Clifton
CEO, Gallup Organization
Moderators
Gina Chon
Executive Editor, Semafor
Amna Nawaz
Co-Host, PBS News Hour & Semafor Contributor
Location
Doors: 8:30 a.m. EDT
Programming: 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. EDT
901 F Street Northwest
Washington, DC 20004
Media Information
Please note that external recording devices, including professional camera equipment with detachable lenses, external flash, monopods, bipods, tripods, are not permitted at this event.
Please contact communications@semafor.com if more information is needed.
What is Happiness?
Since the World Happiness Report debuted in 2012, the Gallup World Poll has provided the data behind the annual happiness rankings featured in the report and insights into global wellbeing and happiness.
Replay last year's World Happiness Report Launch Event and take a look at how people around the world defined happiness in 2025.