Is There a Gen Z Happiness Crisis? Dr Laurie Meets the US Surgeon General
Dec 11, 2023
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Dr. Laurie Santos, a Yale professor and creator of a popular happiness course, joins U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy to tackle the happiness crisis among Gen Z. They discuss how societal pressures and social media distort priorities, leading to a focus on grades over well-being. The conversation emphasizes the need for genuine connections and intrinsic rewards. Insights into mindfulness drawn from monkeys highlight the importance of being present and nurturing kindness in a distracted world.
The mental health crisis among young people, particularly college students, needs to be taken seriously and addressed by changing the culture of achievement and reevaluating priorities.
True happiness is attainable by prioritizing behaviors and mindsets that promote well-being, such as social connection, exercise, sleep, gratitude, and compassion, rather than relying on external rewards.
Deep dives
Addressing the Mental Health Crisis Among Youth
In this podcast episode, Dr. Laurie Santos discusses the mental health crisis among young people, particularly college students. She shares her personal journey of transitioning from studying non-human primates to becoming an expert on happiness. Dr. Santos explains the concerning statistics related to depression, anxiety, and loneliness among college students, emphasizing the need to take the crisis seriously and address it. She highlights the importance of changing the culture of achievement and reevaluating our priorities, shifting the focus from external rewards to internal well-being. Dr. Santos also provides evidence-based strategies for increasing happiness, including social connection, exercise, sleep, gratitude, and taking time for leisure. She encourages individuals to start with small steps and have accountability partners to sustain behavior change. Overall, the podcast explores the students' mental health crisis and offers insights on promoting well-being in young people.
The Power of Behavior Change and Mindsets
In this podcast episode, Dr. Laurie Santos discusses the power of behavior change and mindsets in improving happiness. She explains that happiness is not solely determined by external circumstances such as grades, achievements, or financial success. Instead, she highlights the importance of behaviors like social connection, exercise, sleep, and time affluence. Dr. Santos also emphasizes the significance of cultivating mindsets of gratitude and compassion. She provides evidence that these behaviors and mindsets positively impact well-being. Additionally, she acknowledges the challenge of making behavior changes and encourages starting small and being kind to oneself throughout the process. Dr. Santos concludes that true happiness is within reach when individuals prioritize actions and mindsets that promote well-being.
Examining the Role of Technology
In this podcast episode, Dr. Laurie Santos discusses the impact of technology, specifically social media and streaming platforms, on happiness. She acknowledges that these platforms can provide a sense of connection and relaxation, but also highlights the challenges they pose. Dr. Santos explains that our minds are wired to seek quick gratification and opt for activities that require less effort, which can lead to boredom and apathy. She suggests being mindful of the tendency to turn to these platforms for leisure and instead engaging in more challenging and rewarding activities, such as socializing, physical exercise, and gratitude practices. Dr. Santos emphasizes the importance of shifting our mindset and recognizing that true happiness comes from intentional and meaningful engagement rather than passive consumption.
Shifting the Culture and Empowering the Youth
In this podcast episode, Dr. Laurie Santos discusses the need to shift the culture surrounding achievement and prioritize the well-being of young people. She highlights the role of universities, tech companies, and parents in creating structures that support happiness and alleviate the mental health crisis among youth. Dr. Santos emphasizes the power of collective action, especially among the younger generation, to challenge the culture of hustle and redefine success. She encourages young people to advocate for changes in admissions standards and engage in social movements that promote well-being and social justice. Dr. Santos concludes with a message of hope, highlighting the growing awareness among young people and their potential to reshape societal norms for a happier and healthier future.
Have we created a culture where young people prioritize good grades, social media likes and constant hustling over the important wellbeing pillars of sleep, friendships and free time?
Dr Laurie Santos joins the US Surgeon General on his podcast House Calls with Dr. Vivek Murthy to ask how we got here and what Gen Z can do to get out of this happiness crisis.
