How is happiness defined?
Happiness can be a subjective topic, and the meaning of or reason for happiness can vary from person to person. For some, happiness can be the satisfaction or fulfillment of something. According to the Verywell mind organization, two subjective key components to happiness are the balance of one's emotions and life satisfaction. Overall, happiness should be a positive emotion over something or someone. However, how to achieve such happiness can be a controversial topic than one might think.
The lost meaning of happiness
Social media is where the dilemma of actual happiness comes from. When were using the internet, especially in recent times, companies use us as their "products" and rely on us spending and wasting all our time on their websites or apps. The reason for this is to sell our data or for advertisements. To keep us on their sites for longer, a lot of social media apps use this system called an "algorithm". This process is meant to show you certain media based on what you view and who you are as a person. A good example of this is in short video clip scrolling, such as "TikTok" or "Instagram reels". These apps are developed to make you scroll for hours on end, losing track of time. The reason your brain is so focused on these apps is for the rush of dopamine that'll hit you when you eventually stumble upon something you like. This, however, is only a small dose of "happiness" and can lead into a down spiral addiction to these apps. So the next question is, how can we step away from these bad habits?
The solutions
Spending time with others
Connecting with your loved ones such as friends or family without the use of phones could be a great bonding experience. The use of phones and social media can limit these wonderful memories you can create with those around you, and they can be a great way to get outside and enjoy some fresh air!
Taking breaks from social media
A good way to limit your screen time with technology is to find a hobby to do, such as playing an instrument, drawing, or anything that suits your interests! Technology can help in these areas, such as digital design, for example, however, you should take the time to look away from the screen and give your eyes a break!
Exploring nature
Instead of indulging in what you're going to post next, you should explore what wonders nature has to offer! Sightseeing, bird watching, or even critter catching! These things can make you see why life is worth living, and you can see the beauty of reality up close. Even tending to something such as plants can be beneficial to your mental health, as it gives you a purpose, which the phone cannot give!