Hedonism vs. Happiness: What Positive Psychology Says

Hedonism vs. Happiness: What's the Real Difference?

We often think that feeling happy and seeking pleasure are the same thing, but they're not. From a positive psychology perspective, hedonism (pleasure-seeking) and happiness are two different concepts. Knowing the difference can help you aim for long-lasting joy, not just quick thrills.

1. Pleasure: The Quick Fix

Pleasure is all about instant gratification—that quick burst of enjoyment you get from eating your favorite food, shopping, or binge-watching a show. Positive psychology refers to this as the “hedonic treadmill”: you chase one pleasurable thing after another, but it never truly satisfies in the long run.

• Instant gratification: Comes fast, like eating dessert or scrolling on social media.
• External stimuli: Relies on things like food, entertainment, or experiences.
• Short-lived: The good feeling fades once the activity ends.

2. Happiness: Deep and Lasting

Happiness is more about long-term contentment and inner fulfillment. It doesn't come from quick fixes, but from living a life full of meaning, purpose, and good relationships. Positive psychology studies show that happiness is built on activities that provide meaning, not just momentary pleasure.

• Long-term satisfaction: Comes from deeper, long-lasting contentment.
• Internal sources: Built on personal growth, achieving goals, and meaningful relationships.
• Sustainability: Happiness can remain even during tough times, grounded in life's meaning.

3. comparison between Pleasure and Happiness

Let's use a table to show the comparison between them.

4. TikTok Brain: Navigating the World of Dopamine Rush

With the rise of short-video platforms like TikTok, many are becoming aware of how quick dopamine hits from watching endless videos impact the brain. Scientists have identified what's now called “TikTok Brain”, where the constant flow of short bursts of entertainment makes it harder to focus on slower activities. Studies show that this can shorten our attention span, but it's important to note that not all short videos are harmful. In fact, they can expand our perspectives and provide valuable information.

The key lies in learning to manage dopamine stimulation and balancing it with longer-term goals. Completely avoiding TikTok in modern life is nearly impossible, and it's not necessary. Today without TikTok, tomorrow there may be GikTok and MikTok, which is a solution that caters to human nature, and commercial institutions around the world may compete for this benefit. What's essential is developing self-discipline and mastering the ability to balance quick pleasures with deeper satisfaction. In the coming AI-driven future, this ability to manage dopamine becomes a critical skill for productivity and growth.

Finding a balance between immersion and addiction is crucial. Establishing healthy habits that promote rest and cognitive health ensures we can enjoy both the excitement of quick pleasures and the sustained joy of deeper, meaningful happiness.

5. Pleasure vs. Doing Good

In a George Mason University positive psychology class, students were asked to first do something that brought them pleasure, then perform a selfless act of kindness. While things like watching TV or eating good food brought quick joy, they found deeper fulfillment in acts of kindness, like donating clothes or helping strangers.

George Mason University presents an interesting challenge for positive psychologists as it is one of the 15 unhappiest campuses in America, according to The Princeton Review.

Despite this, students eagerly participated in the class, discussing concepts like optimism, gratitude, mindfulness, and hope. Kashdan emphasized the difference between feeling good (instant gratification) and doing good (lasting happiness). The students were tasked with performing both a pleasurable activity and a selfless act, and the class quickly realized the profound effect selfless giving had on their well-being.

Kashdan's approach to teaching involved blending theory with real-life experiences. He assigned students to perform acts that brought them pleasure, such as watching TV, going out with friends, or even more adventurous activities like scuba diving. However, the key lesson came when the students performed selfless acts: donating to shelters, giving large tips, or even buying groceries for a homeless person. This simple exercise led many students to the realization that doing good for others resulted in a deeper, more meaningful form of happiness.

Kashdan's message was clear: true happiness goes beyond temporary pleasure. Meaning and purpose are the foundation of a lasting sense of well-being, and these are often achieved through acts of kindness and generosity.

6.Balancing Screen Time for Children

For children, it is best to first control screen time and gradually form the habit of reasonably planning screen usage. This can also benefit their growth and development. Here are some suggestions:

It's important to establish healthy screen time habits for children to promote their overall growth and development. Here are some recommendations:

• Control Time: Limit daily screen time to ensure children have ample opportunities for outdoor activities and social interactions.
• Quality Content: Select educational and enriching content, avoiding programs that are violent or inappropriate.
• Engage Together: Parents can watch with their children and discuss the content to foster understanding and critical thinking.
• Set Rules: Establish clear rules for screen time, such as no electronic devices during meals and avoiding screens an hour before bedtime.
• Lead by Example: Parents should also limit their own screen time to model good behavior and set a positive example.

By implementing these measures, children can develop good screen time habits that contribute to their healthy growth.

6. Finding the Balance: Positive Psychology's Take

Positive psychology doesn't dismiss pleasure, but it emphasizes balancing pleasure and happiness. Pursuing long-lasting happiness means focusing on meaningful activities like helping others, personal growth, and deep relationships. True happiness comes from purpose, achievement, and connection.

• Find Meaning: Engage in meaningful activities like volunteering or working toward personal goals.
• Build Strong Relationships: Deep connections are key to lasting happiness.
• Practice Gratitude: Reflect on what you're thankful for—boosts long-term happiness.
• Get into Flow: Do what you love and immerse yourself in it—this state of “flow” can increase happiness.

Conclusion

Positive psychology teaches that pleasure brings short-term highs, while happiness comes from meaningful actions and strong connections. Balancing quick pleasures with meaningful actions leads to a more fulfilling life.

Read More

• Learn About Positive Psychology
• Discover Lifestyle & Personal Growth
• Explore Psychology Insights