I wonder if this reflects the societal impact of too much time on social media causing anxiety and depression fueled by the algorithms ??

Quarterly data suggest the erosion in optimism may get worse. Gallup’s readings show a sharp drop in both Q3 and Q4 of 2025: Just 48% of Americans said they were thriving in their current lives and expected to thrive in the future. The opening weeks of 2026 have already been marked by political turbulence and controversy, offering little evidence of a rebound in mood.

Meanwhile, the S&P500 is bumping along near its all-time high. One wonders how much further the “thriving” share might shrink if the bottom dropped out of the market, as it did in the fall and winter 2008-09. History suggests it might drop down to around the neighborhood of 42%. That really would put gung-ho American optimism to the test.
Source: Democracy Unplugged