The GNH.today index, a global happiness measurement tool, tracks real-time emotional sentiment based on Google search trends. This innovative index was developed by:
- Prof. Talita Greyling (University of Johannesburg)
- Dr. Stephanie Rossouw (Auckland University of Technology)
- Afstereo, a data-driven research firm
Initially launched in April 2019, the index was built using X (formerly Twitter) data. However, after continuous development, researchers found that Google search data provides a more accurate reflection of national happiness trends.
📊 How It Works:
🔹 Analyzes emotion-related keywords in Google searches.
🔹 Provides near real-time happiness scores.
🔹 Helps policymakers and researchers understand public sentiment shifts.
The index has been presented at global forums in Luxembourg, Kota Kinabalu (Malaysia), and France, gaining international recognition as a tool for analyzing societal mood changes.
U.S. Happiness Surges on Trump’s Inauguration Day

Despite Mondays typically being low-scoring days for happiness, Trump’s inauguration on January 20, 2025, saw U.S. happiness levels rise to 7.63, a rating usually observed on weekends.
According to Prof. Talita Greyling, the rise in happiness can be attributed to several factors:
✔️ Political Celebrations – Trump’s supporters viewed his return to power as a major victory.
✔️ Economic Optimism – Announcements regarding job creation, trade policies, and border security reassured many Americans.
✔️ Psychological Relief – Many voters felt their political aspirations had been validated, driving emotional uplift.
Comparison of Happiness Levels on U.S. Inauguration Days
Inauguration Year | Happiness Score (GNH Index) |
---|---|
2025 (Trump) | 7.63 (higher than usual for a Monday) |
2021 (Biden) | 7.55 |
2017 (Trump) | 7.48 |
2013 (Obama) | 7.61 |
📌 Key Takeaway: Trump’s 2025 inauguration produced one of the highest happiness spikes recorded on U.S. inauguration days in recent years.
South Africa’s Happiness Decline: The Impact of a National Tragedy
While U.S. happiness surged, South Africa experienced a sharp decline, reflecting national distress over the Buffelsfontein gold mine disaster.
Key Factors Behind the Drop
🔹 Mining Disaster – Over 78 fatalities were confirmed after hundreds of illegal miners were trapped underground in Stilfontein.
🔹 Economic Concerns – South Africans worried about the ripple effects of Trump’s trade protectionist policies, particularly on developing economies.
🔹 Political Disconnection – Unlike the U.S. political excitement, South Africans saw little direct impact from the inauguration, further dampening sentiment.
Happiness Index Comparison: U.S. vs. South Africa (January 20, 2025)
Country | Happiness Score (GNH Index) | Primary Influence |
---|---|---|
United States | 7.63 | Trump’s inauguration & economic optimism |
South Africa | 6.52 | Mining tragedy & global trade concerns |
📌Takeaway: While the U.S. saw an emotional uplift, South Africa faced a significant decline in national happiness, driven by domestic tragedy and economic uncertainty.