Impact of happiness and well-being on science and technology perceptions: a multi-country study

Purpose The current study examines the impact of happiness and well-being on science and technology perceptions. Design/methodology/approach Drawing upon the World Values Survey (WVS), the dataset for the included six countries, one from each of the world's inhabited continents, contains a total of 12,126 observations of individuals. Findings The regression clearly confirms a relationship between happiness/well-being and technology perceptions. Females are generally less positive about technology. There is a tendency for old people (60+) to be less positive about technology compared to the young generation (<30 years). Overall, the findings indicate a more polarized view on technology in the global south compared to the global north. Social implications Governments should recognize that digital inclusion strategies are not merely about economic utility but also public well-being. Policies must ensure meaningful, empowering, and safe technology use, not just mere access. This could involve initiating digital literacy programs that focus on community building and mental health safeguards, rather than only basic mechanical skills. The polarization suggests a need for public dialogues to shape a shared vision of an inevitable, increasingly digital future. Originality/value Most of the literature explores the impact of technology on happiness, and consequently, less is known about how the level of happiness and well-being impacts science and technology perceptions. The current study attempts to address this gap in the literature.