Different types of prosocial spending offer varied levels of happiness benefits. Giving with a strong social connection leads to a greater boost in happiness compared to mere gift-giving. Acts that lack social interaction, such as sending gift certificates or making donations without recognition, may not fully leverage the happiness potential of prosocial spending. Research indicates that emphasizing social connection in giving increases enjoyment and happiness derived from the act.
Money can buy you happiness - but not in the way we think. Giving money away - especially to help others - has been shown make us happier than spending on ourselves.
Social psychologist Lara Aknin explains the best ways to spend on loved ones, friends and even total strangers to get the biggest happiness bang for your buck.
And Harvard's s Josh Greene reveals how much money Happiness Lab listeners gave to charity via Giving Multiplier last year - and how many lives you saved.
To give to a charity of your choice and to some of the most effective charities around (and have your donation matched at a special rate) visit: https://givingmultiplier.org/invite/HAPPINESSLAB
The Happiness Lab will return in January 2023. See you then.
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