hAPPiness |
 Written by Allison Wahl |
  (28 votes, average: 3.18 out of 5)  Loading ... |
We all know how apps have changed what we do with our life, but what about the fact that they can change how we feel in our lives? Many psychologists are beginning to realize the potential that apps have and the weight they carry in the lives of their users, and are thus beginning to make apps to effectively improve quality of life. One such focus is on apps and how they can affect happiness. Recently, apps, such as “Live Happy,” have begun to emerge with the claim that they can help you lead a happier life.
While I applaud the noble developers, I wonder if an app specifically designed to make you happy is actually necessary to accomplish said goal. First, acknowledging that you need an app to make you happy seems like it would be a blow to the ego more than anything. Second, after pondering the idea of apps and happiness for a while, I realized that many apps out there actually indirectly function to make you happier. There is no need to spend more money (and potential embarassment) on a happiness app when the apps you might already have carry the same potential to improve your outlook on life. Here are some common ways this could be true:
- Apps that organize you. By using such apps, you do become a little more sorted out, your mind becomes clearer, and you have a better handle on things. There is no denying the inverse relationship between organization level and stress level. Feeling more in control of and prepared for life can definitely create a calmer and more happier person.
- Apps that encourage you to exercise. If you truly allow the sports/exercise apps to further motivate you to a healthier lifestyle, odds are you will see more desired results and a healthier person. Happy and healthy go hand in hand, as do happy and a positive body image, all of which can be achieved by maintaining the healthy lifestyle that is encouraged by many apps.
- Apps that encourage social networking. Constantly having your social contacts in your hand can instill a sense that you are supported at all times. If you need to talk to someone, even if you can’t speak on the phone, you can still stay connected. Also, just by virtue of knowing that you have a “social network” and seeing numerous contacts appear on your list, you potentially feel more social, liked, and therefore happier.
- Apps that purely provide entertainment and humor. Being entertained is a positive thing, as is laughing. Apps that accomplish such ends are bound to make you a happier person, because the more you smile and laugh, the happier you feel (studies actually do show this). Being entertained can also serve as a vehicle for momentarily forgetting or pushing aside any stresses or issues.
- Apps that serve as escapism. Similar to how entertainment apps occupy you in a way that can make you forget unhappy things, many games are ways for people to actually escape their problems, become wrapped up in the characters or activities of the game, and live in a separate reality for even just a few minutes. Escapism is one of the ways that people cope with what bothers them, and games facilitate this. Also, games can provide a release or outlet, and any thing that helps people deal with any negativity in their lives is bound to help them be happier.
- Apps that act as creative therapy. Many people view art as a therapeutic activity and artsy iPhone apps can act in the same way. Also, since these apps are so portable (as long as you have your iPhone, you have the ability to make art) but still allow for the necessary creative release, the therapeutic effects are even more accessible.
- Apps that enhance knowledge. Many apps are dedicated to keeping you informed about the news and what is going on in the world; having such knowledge to draw upon can lead to a more confident person. Also, there are apps that seem to provide “insider knowledge” to those who invest — having such knowledge can make a person feel more special and in-the-know, and can also boost self-assurance by allowing the person to be the first to introduce a juicy tidbit to friends. Also, knowing what’s going on can encourage people to get out and do something as opposed to sitting at home alone, dwelling on issues that are potentially unsettling. Knowledge is power; is it any coincidence that some of the most powerful people tend to also be the happiest?
- Apps that help you save money (ironically). There are many apps designed to let you know of great deals or sales going on (for every facet of life) or generally help you be more frugal and careful with your money. Especially in this economy, being able to save is definitely smile-worthy, and since money is a leading cause of stress, being able to handle money to the best of one’s abilities is likely to make life a little easier.
So, since most if not all iPhone users possess an app that falls into one of these categories, the potential for increased happiness is there, whether or not it is needed or recognized. Even simply being elite enough to possess an iPhone is cause for happiness. While I will certainly be curious to see any related statistics that surface, I do believe that the apps that truly correlate to happiness need not necessarily fall under the “happiness apps” category. Just keep using what you’re using, doing what you’re doing, and smile.
