The Art of Manliness
Can You Trust Happiness Studies?
Sep 25, 2023
Elizabeth Dunn, a social psychology professor and author of 'Happy Money,' delves into the science behind happiness. She exposes the replication crisis in happiness studies, challenging the effectiveness of popular strategies like meditation and exercise. Dunn highlights unique findings, showing that spending money on time-saving services can boost happiness more than material goods. She emphasizes the importance of tailored approaches to well-being, shaped by individual personality traits, and discusses the emotional fulfillment of generosity.
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Quick takeaways
- Using money to buy time for oneself can increase happiness by allowing more engagement in enjoyable activities, while spending money on others can also lead to greater happiness through the sense of connection and impact of generosity.
- Smartphones can both hinder and enhance happiness, with distractions and decreased enjoyment in social interactions on one hand, and increased happiness through efficient information access and entertainment on the other hand. Striking a balance is crucial for maximizing happiness.
Deep dives
Buying Time and Spending Money on Others
One key finding in happiness studies is that using money to buy time for oneself, such as hiring a cleaner or lawn service, can lead to increased happiness. Studies have shown that people feel happier when they have more free time to engage in activities they enjoy rather than spending it on tasks they dislike. Additionally, spending money on others rather than oneself has been found to increase happiness. When people use their money to benefit others, they report higher levels of happiness compared to when they use the money solely for their own benefit. Seeing the impact of their generosity and feeling a sense of connection with the recipients are key factors that contribute to the happiness boost from spending money on others.
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