By Tricia Walker

It’s that time of year again, World Happiness Day, and with it comes the annual report.

The topic of the report covers the impact that human connection has on peoples’ happiness - but what about people finding happiness outside of human interaction?

The World Happiness Report for 2025 shows what builds happiness, and how it mostly resolves around community and helping others. It ranges from trusting people to return a lost wallet to how family size and bonds relate to happiness.

The report doesn’t have any points on finding happiness outside of human interaction which was a major thing during covid. With covid, more people turned to media, such as movies and video games, to pass the time and find enjoyment.

Aaron Ring, from Kilmarnock, said: “Video games make me happy because they are very fun. They are my favourite way to engage with a story and I prefer them over movies and TV shows. If I’m having like a bad day, I play a video game, and it makes me feel better.

“My pets also make me happy, and I love spending some quality time with my two dogs and cat.”

Research has shown that the company of pets is supposed to boost happiness, which again the report fails to include. Cats and dogs especially can reduce stress, anxiety, depression and ease loneliness.

Clara McLoughlan, from Glasgow, said: “Big fluffy cats, sweet treats and Just Eat discounts make me happy. Cocktail nights out with my friends does also make me happy.”

Along with the World Happiness report there will be a two hour livestream event later tonight on YouTube.

World Happiness Day was established by the United Nations General Assembly on 28 June 2012 and is now celebrated worldwide in many different ways.

What brings joy on World Happiness Day?