That may not be a shocking headline. It is more of a ‘duh’ observation, but feeling that way is now backed up by data. Granted, quantifying feelings is inherently subjective, not objective, but it is worth the effort. The bad news is that more of us feel lousy, and that is getting worse. The good news is that the data suggests three factors that are in our individual control: smartphone usage, processed foods, and personal relationships.
“For 2023, across the 71 countries they received data from, the global average was 65, indicating that we’re all “managing,” and doing so just a few hairs above “enduring.” ” – Vox
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Prosperity has been improving, but prosperity has been enabling behaviours that are having negative effects. Take a look at the increased smartphone usage you’ve experienced. We’re better connected, but that may be distracting and discouraging. We’re distracted from the world around us, and the news is discouraging. Greater wealth allows for letting someone, or some corporation, to do the cooking, which results in more processed foods, further distancing people from the fundamentals of life as well as possibly not being as healthy. Relationships are being filtered through electronics as people sitting at the same table may text instead of talk. In all three cases, increased smartphone use leads to decreased mental health. Another consequence has been that the greater the use, the larger the effect, which means young people are more affected than older people. Younger people have a greater percentage of their life influenced by smartphones. Older people may have spent more time developing skills that don’t rely on the technology. Unsurprisingly, the pandemic didn’t help as we were more likely to be isolated in many ways. It wasn’t the time to have a bunch of friends over for dinner, but was a time to meet online and on social media. The trend is not good, but many of the factors are in our control.
“The World’s Mental Health Is In Rough Shape — And Not Getting Any Better, A New Report Finds” – Vox
Pretending Not To Panic 