Week 1

Misconceptions

about happiness

9 videos

In this unit, students will learn what it means to be happy and why pursuing happiness is important. Dr. Santos addresses why our minds lie to us about money, grades, and social media and how these biases hold us back from implementing the techniques studied in positive psychology

1. Why Take Yale’s Most Popular Course?

In this video for teens, Dr. Laurie Santos dives into the important topic of mental health, using findings from positive psychology to suggest ways of improving happiness. She explores the prevalent mental health crisis among students and shares research-backed strategies for managing stress and increasing wellbeing. Watch to understand the science behind happiness and how you can apply it to your life.

2. What Does It Even Mean to Be Happy?

In this video for teens, Dr. Laurie Santos discusses the true meaning of happiness from a scientific perspective, challenging common misconceptions. Learn how happiness isn't just about positive emotions but also includes satisfaction with life. You'll also learn that discomfort can lead to more meaning in life.

3. Is Becoming Happier a Selfish Thing to Do?

In this video for teens, Dr. Laurie Santos dispels the myth that pursuing happiness is selfish. She presents evidence for the "feel good, do good" phenomenon, demonstrating how increased happiness can lead to pro-social behavior and even motivate us to tackle global issues like climate change. Learn how boosting your happiness could actually make the world a better place.

4. Do Life Circumstances Determine Happiness?

In this video for teens, Dr. Laurie Santos addresses the common misconception that happiness is entirely dependent on our circumstances. Using insightful examples, including lottery winners and accident victims, she reveals that our circumstances may not have as significant an impact on our overall happiness as we think. Discover how this knowledge can empower you to find happiness regardless of external conditions.

5. What Are the Benefits of Being Happier?

In this video for teens, Dr. Laurie Santos delves into the unexpected benefits of happiness beyond the self-evident ones. Explore how happiness positively correlates with desirable life outcomes like improved job prospects, higher salaries, better relationships, stronger immunity, and even longevity. Uncover how happiness can remarkably impact your life, beyond just feeling good.

6. Our Mind Lies to Us About Happiness

In this video for teens, Dr. Laurie Santos explores the concept of 'miswanting', the tendency to be mistaken about what will make us happy. She uses optical illusions as metaphors to show how our minds can deceive us about happiness, much like they do with visuals. Learn about the pitfalls of predicting our future happiness and empower yourself to avoid these common mistakes.

7. Misconceptions #1: Money & Awesome Stuff

In this video for teens, Dr. Laurie Santos unpacks the popular belief that more money equals more happiness. Using compelling research, she demonstrates that money's impact on happiness levels off at a certain point. Learn why being materialistic can even decrease life satisfaction, challenging the common notion that "more" always means "happier".

8. Misconceptions #2: Grades & College Admissions

In this video for teens, Dr. Laurie Santos unravels the myth of good grades equating to happiness. Explore the surprising correlation between high GPAs and wellbeing, and learn why academic success may not be the key to a joyful life that you think it is.

9. Misconceptions #3: Screen Time + Social Media

In this video for teens, Dr. Laurie Santos explores the impact of social media use on our happiness, delving into the difference between active and passive use. Discover how altering our online habits can lead to a significant shift in our mood and overall well-being.

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