We're jolly, and trusting

We hardly ever read the fine print, we think our parents had it better and, as for government, don't get us started.

More than 32000 people in 20 countries were asked a range of questions about society, health, technology and government in an Ipsos survey.

The results provide a unique snapshot of South Africans.

One of the questions asked was whether today's youth have it better or worse than their parents. Just under a half - or 47% - said they felt they had it worse.

And we are not alone. Across all 20 countries, 42% of respondents ticked "worse".

The most optimistic population of all was China, with 81% saying they were better off than their parents.

But while we might not feel too optimistic about our future, we are generally a chipper nation.

When asked: "Taking all things together, would you say you are happy or unhappy?", South Africa came in at fourth, at 81%.

The happiest nation was Sweden scoring 88%, and right at the bottom of the list was Spain, at 59%.

An interesting fact about South Africans was that 83% said they didn't read terms and conditions on a website before accepting them.

However, not many people pay attention to terms and conditions, the survey points out.

It cited the now famous clause in which Gamestation included "the non-transferable option to claim now and forevermore your immortal soul".

About 88% of players signed up.

South Africans' faith in government, the survey discovered, is woeful. One in 10 said they were satisfied with how the government was running the country.

Even the Spanish were happier with their administration.

The global marketing research company said the results reflected the influences of the global recession, rapid changes in technology and consumerism.

Fact File

77% of South Africans said they are constantly looking at the screens of their smartphones;

64% wish their life was simpler;

37% of shoppers try to buy branded products;

34% believe it is the government's job to influence people's behaviour and encourage healthy lifestyles;

33% measure their success by the things they own;

66% feel globalisation is good for their country, and

74% agreed that traditions are an important part of society.