Engaging in social interactions with strangers can improve well-being and build connections.
Accurate tracking is vital for determining the effectiveness of self-monitoring techniques.
Designers should find a balance in self-tracking features to avoid potential negative impacts and minimize user burden.
Deep dives
Self-monitoring and its challenges
Self-monitoring is a valuable tool for understanding behavior, but the challenge lies in accurately tracking and measuring the data. Without proper tracking, it becomes difficult to determine the effectiveness of self-monitoring techniques.
The power of social connections
Engaging in social interactions, even with strangers, can lead to greater well-being and happiness. Despite initial assumptions of awkwardness and discomfort, studies show that talking to strangers can have positive effects on mental health and build connections.
Balancing the benefits and burdens of self-tracking
Self-tracking can be beneficial for behavior change, but it's essential to find a balance and minimize the burden for users. Designers can consider strategies such as incorporating gentle reminders, reducing extrinsic rewards, and making the tracking process less time-consuming.
The importance of mood tracking and habit streaks
Mood tracking and habit streaks are commonly used features in apps. While they can be useful for creating awareness and fostering behavior change, designers should consider the optimal use of these features and avoid potential negative impacts, such as creating unnecessary pressure or disrupting sleep patterns.
Enhancing communal living spaces
In communal living spaces, effective communication and negotiation are crucial to prevent conflicts. Implementing strategies such as scheduled meetings, shared strength-based activities, and understanding each other's values can promote a positive living environment and enhance social connections.
In this episode, we speak with Laurie Santos, Professor at Yale. In addition to her research on primate decision-making, Laurie is an expert on the science of well-being. Her teachings on the psychology of the good life are some of the most popular of all time at Yale and on Coursera. She also has a free curriculum for high schools, and she even has her own podcast.
We chatted with Laurie about shared living spaces and the importance of being social (even when we don’t feel like being social!). We also compare happiness with psychological richness, and the pros and cons of self-monitoring. And as a special bonus, you get to hear Laurie’s expert rendition of a primate’s pant-hoot.
