The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos Audio Download

Over the past decade, rates of depression and loneliness have surged among young people. Many researchers point to one major change: the rise of smartphones and social media. But what does the data actually show? Psychologist Jean Twenge has spent years studying how technology shapes adolescent happiness. Dr. Laurie sits down with her to unpack new findings from the 2026 World Happiness Report on how social media use affects teen wellbeing around the world. What happens when kids spend hours a day on these platforms? Is any amount of social media actually beneficial? And what can we all do to build healthier relationships with our phones, regardless of age? Resources mentioned in this episode: “ What is the International Day of Happiness? ” “ World Happiness Report 2026 ” iGen: Why Today's Super-Connected Kids Are Growing Up Less Rebellious, More Tolerant, Less Happy—and Completely Unprepared for Adulthood “ Have Smartphones Destroyed a Generation? ” “ National Trends in the Prevalence and Treatment of Depression in Adolescents and Young Adults ” “ Pew Research Center Mobile Fact Sheet ” “ Increases in Depression, Self‐Harm, and Suicide Among U.S. Adolescents After 2012 and Links to Technology Use: Possible Mechanisms ” “ The Effects of Social Media Restriction: Meta-Analytic Evidence from Randomized controlled Trials ” “ Am I Happier Without You? Social Media Detox and Well-Being: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials ” PISA 2022 Database 10 Rules for Raising Kids in a High-Tech World: How Parents Can Stop Smartphones, Social Media, and Gaming from Taking Over Their Children's Lives “ Over 20,000 Educators Share Insights on School Cell Phone Policies ” “ Managing Student Digital Distraction in the College Classroom: a Self-Determination Theory Perspective ” See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over the past decade, rates of depression and loneliness have surged among young people. Many researchers point to one major change: the rise of smartphones and social media. But what does the data actually show? Psychologist Jean Twenge has spent years studying how technology shapes adolescent happiness. Dr. Laurie sits down with her to unpack new findings from the 2026 World Happiness Report on how social media use affects teen wellbeing around the world. What happens when kids spend hours a day on these platforms? Is any amount of social media actually beneficial? And what can we all do to build healthier relationships with our phones, regardless of age? Resources mentioned in this episode: “ What is the International Day of Happiness? ” “ World Happiness Report 2026 ” iGen: Why Today's Super-Connected Kids Are Growing Up Less Rebellious, More Tolerant, Less Happy—and Completely Unprepared for Adulthood “ Have Smartphones Destroyed a Generation? ” “ National Trends in the Prevalence and Treatment of Depression in Adolescents and Young Adults ” “ Pew Research Center Mobile Fact Sheet ” “ Increases in Depression, Self‐Harm, and Suicide Among U.S. Adolescents After 2012 and Links to Technology Use: Possible Mechanisms ” “ The Effects of Social Media Restriction: Meta-Analytic Evidence from Randomized controlled Trials ” “ Am I Happier Without You? Social Media Detox and Well-Being: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials ” PISA 2022 Database 10 Rules for Raising Kids in a High-Tech World: How Parents Can Stop Smartphones, Social Media, and Gaming from Taking Over Their Children's Lives “ Over 20,000 Educators Share Insights on School Cell Phone Policies ” “ Managing Student Digital Distraction in the College Classroom: a Self-Determination Theory Perspective ” See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our surroundings affect our happiness in ways we often don’t notice. The layout of a room, the amount of clutter in our home, and even small changes to lighting can shape our mood, focus, and relationships. As The Happiness Lab continues its spring cleaning series, Dr. Laurie sits down with University of Virginia Professor Leidy Klotz, author of In a Good Place , to explore the hidden ways our spaces shape our inner lives. Why do certain places make us feel calm, connected, and grounded, while others leave us distracted or drained? From creating more connection at home to using our surroundings to remember loved ones we’ve lost, these practical ideas will refresh your space and your wellbeing. Experts Mentioned: Leidy Klotz , professor of engineering and architecture at the University of Virginia Nelson Mandela , anti-apartheid activist and former president of South Africa Jane Jacobs , writer and urban activist Resources Mentioned: In a Good Place: How the Spaces Where We Live, Work, and Play Can Help Us Thrive , by Leidy Klotz (2026) Subtract: The Untapped Science of Less by Leidy Klotz (2021) “ Spatial Patterns of Solar Photovoltaic System Adoption: The Influence of Neighbors and the Built Environment ” by Marcello Graziano and Kenneth Gillingham ( Journal of Economic Geography , 2015). “ Fire Drill: Inattentional Blindness and Amnesia for the Location of Fire Extinguishers ” by Alan D Castel, Michael Vendetti, and Keith J Holyoak. ( Attention, Perception, & Psychophysics , 2012) “ Self-Determination Theory and the Facilitation of Intrinsic Motivation, Social Development, and Well-Being ” by Richard M. Ryan and Edward L. Deci ( American Psychologist , 2000). “ Neighborhoods and Violent Crime: A Multilevel Study of Collective Efficacy ” by Robert J. Sampson, Stephen W. Raudenbush, and Felton Earls ( Science , 1997). “ When Choice Is Demotivating: Can One Desire Too Much of a Good Thing? ” by Sheena S. Iyengar and Mark R. Lepper ( Journal of Personality and Social Psychology , 2000). Related Episodes: " Choice Overload " by The Happiness Lab (2019). " How to Make Better Choices (with Barry Schwartz) " by The Happiness Lab (2025). " How to Design a More Meaningful Life (with Dave Evans and Bill Burnett) " by The Happiness Lab (2026). See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our surroundings affect our happiness in ways we often don’t notice. The layout of a room, the amount of clutter in our home, and even small changes to lighting can shape our mood, focus, and relationships. As The Happiness Lab continues its spring cleaning series, Dr. Laurie sits down with University of Virginia Professor Leidy Klotz, author of In a Good Place , to explore the hidden ways our spaces shape our inner lives. Why do certain places make us feel calm, connected, and grounded, while others leave us distracted or drained? From creating more connection at home to using our surroundings to remember loved ones we’ve lost, these practical ideas will refresh your space and your wellbeing. Experts Mentioned: Leidy Klotz , professor of engineering and architecture at the University of Virginia Nelson Mandela , anti-apartheid activist and former president of South Africa Jane Jacobs , writer and urban activist Resources Mentioned: In a Good Place: How the Spaces Where We Live, Work, and Play Can Help Us Thrive , by Leidy Klotz (2026) Subtract: The Untapped Science of Less by Leidy Klotz (2021) “ Spatial Patterns of Solar Photovoltaic System Adoption: The Influence of Neighbors and the Built Environment ” by Marcello Graziano and Kenneth Gillingham ( Journal of Economic Geography , 2015). “ Fire Drill: Inattentional Blindness and Amnesia for the Location of Fire Extinguishers ” by Alan D Castel, Michael Vendetti, and Keith J Holyoak. ( Attention, Perception, & Psychophysics , 2012) “ Self-Determination Theory and the Facilitation of Intrinsic Motivation, Social Development, and Well-Being ” by Richard M. Ryan and Edward L. Deci ( American Psychologist , 2000). “ Neighborhoods and Violent Crime: A Multilevel Study of Collective Efficacy ” by Robert J. Sampson, Stephen W. Raudenbush, and Felton Earls ( Science , 1997). “ When Choice Is Demotivating: Can One Desire Too Much of a Good Thing? ” by Sheena S. Iyengar and Mark R. Lepper ( Journal of Personality and Social Psychology , 2000). Related Episodes: " Choice Overload " by The Happiness Lab (2019). " How to Make Better Choices (with Barry Schwartz) " by The Happiness Lab (2025). " How to Design a More Meaningful Life (with Dave Evans and Bill Burnett) " by The Happiness Lab (2026). See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.