Experimental paradigms, such as the free choice paradigm, demonstrate how synthesized happiness operates. Participants rank objects, make choices, and subsequently adjust their preferences to align with their decisions. Even amnesiac patients, who cannot remember their previous choices, exhibit similar patterns of synthesized happiness, suggesting that this cognitive process is deeply ingrained. Such findings challenge the notion that happiness derived from choices is superficial or insincere. Instead, they highlight the brain's remarkable ability to adjust and create contentment.

Experimental Evidence of Synthesized Happiness

In the span of two million years, a relatively brief period in evolutionary terms, the human brain has nearly tripled in size. Our ancestor,  Homo habilis, possessed a brain weighing approximately one and a quarter pounds. Today, the average human brain is almost three pounds. This remarkable increase in brain mass was not merely a quantitative change but also a qualitative one. The expansion included the development of new brain structures, with the prefrontal cortex being particularly noteworthy which is critical for complex cognitive functions.

The Evolutionary Significance of Brain Growth

It is a relatively recent addition in the evolutionary timeline, plays a crucial role in human cognition. Its most significant function is as an experience simulator, allowing humans to mentally preview and assess experiences before they occur in reality. This ability is akin to flight simulators used by pilots to practice without real-world consequences. Humans can simulate various scenarios, predict outcomes, and make decisions based on these mental rehearsals. This capability has been pivotal in human development, contributing to our ability to plan and adapt to complex social environments.

The Role of the Prefrontal Cortex

Freedom to choose is often seen as a path to greater happiness. However, studies indicate that excessive choice can impede the synthesis of happiness. For instance, when individuals can change their minds about a decision, they tend to be less satisfied with their final choice. This paradox suggests that constraints can sometimes enhance happiness by preventing second-guessing and fostering contentment with decisions made. The overabundance of choice in modern society might, therefore, be a double-edged sword, offering freedom but potentially undermining long-term satisfaction.

The Paradox of Choice and Happiness

Understanding and embracing the concept of synthetic happiness can lead to more balanced and fulfilling lives.Recognizing that our psychological immune system can help us adapt to various outcomes, we can reduce the intensity of our longings and fears.This awareness can promote healthier ambitions and more prudent decision-making.Ultimately, acknowledging the power of synthetic happiness allows us to find joy and contentment, regardless of the specific outcomes we encounter, thereby enhancing our overall well-being.

Synthetic Happiness in a glance

Humans possess a psychological immune system comprising cognitive processes that help us adapt to and find contentment in various circumstances. This system allows us to synthesize happiness, adjusting our outlook to maintain a positive state of mind. This ability to create synthetic happiness is comparable to natural happiness, which arises when we achieve our desires. The society often undervalues synthetic happiness, perceiving it as inferior to naturally occurring happiness. Despite this perception, synthetic happiness is a powerful tool that helps individuals cope with adverse situations.

The Psychological Immune System

Research has uncovered a phenomenon known as impact bias, where individuals tend to overestimate the emotional impact of future events. Studies comparing lottery winners and paraplegics revealed that, contrary to popular belief, both groups report similar levels of happiness a year after their respective life-changing events. This indicates that our brains often misjudge the long-term emotional outcomes of significant experiences. The misjudgment is a testament to the brain's complex functioning and highlights the psychological mechanisms that influence our perception of happiness.

Impact Bias and Misjudgment of Future Happiness

Understanding the concepts of synthetic happiness and impact bias has profound implications for decision-making processes.When individuals recognize that their predictions about future happiness are often flawed, they can make more informed and balanced decisions.This awareness can reduce the pressure to achieve specific outcomes and instead focus on appreciating and finding contentment in the present moment.By mitigating the overvaluation of future events, people can approach their goals and challenges with a more realistic and resilient mindset, leading to greater overall well-being .

Implications for Decision Making

The belief that synthetic happiness is inferior influences economic behavior and societal structures. If people truly understood that not getting what they want could still result in happiness, consumerism might decline, affecting economic growth. This insight underscores the complex interplay between psychology and economics, where perceptions of happiness drive market dynamics. The undervaluation of synthetic happiness perpetuates a cycle of desire and consumption, as individuals continually seek new experiences and possessions, believing they are essential for true happiness.

Economic Implications of Synthetic Happiness

Along the path of its evolution, the human brain has undergone a transformative evolution, increasing in size and complexity. This remarkable growth, particularly in the prefrontal cortex, has equipped humans with unique cognitive abilities, including the power to simulate experiences before they occur. Such capabilities have profound implications for our understanding of happiness and decision-making.

http://www.ted.com Dan Gilbert, author of Stumbling on Happiness, challenges the idea that we'll be miserable if we don't get what we want. Our "psychological immune system" lets us feel truly happy even when things don't go as planned.

TEDTalks is a daily video podcast of the best talks and performances from the TED Conference, where the world's leading thinkers and doers give the talk of their lives in 18 minutes. Featured speakers have included Al Gore on climate change, Philippe Starck on design, Jill Bolte Taylor on observing her own stroke, Nicholas Negroponte on One Laptop per Child, Jane Goodall on chimpanzees, Bill Gates on malaria and mosquitoes, Pattie Maes on the "Sixth Sense" wearable tech, and "Lost" producer JJ Abrams on the allure of mystery. TED stands for Technology, Entertainment, Design, and TEDTalks cover these topics as well as science, business, development and the arts. Closed captions and translated subtitles in a variety of languages are now available on TED.com, at http://www.ted.com/translate

If you have questions or comments about this or other TED videos, please go to http://support.ted.com

Understand yourself and those around you.

psychology

Psychology

health

Health

podcasts

Podcasts

videos

Videos

scienceandnature

Science & Nature

The TED Talks channel features the best talks and performances from the TED Conference, where the world's leading thinkers and doers give the talk of their lives in 18 minutes (or less). Look for talks on Technology, Entertainment and Design -- plus science, business, global issues, the arts and more. You're welcome to link to or embed these videos, forward them to others and share these ideas with people you know.

TED's videos may be used for non-commercial purposes under a Creative Commons License, Attribution–Non Commercial–No Derivatives (or the CC BY – NC – ND 4.0 International) and in accordance with our TED Talks Usage Policy: https://www.ted.com/about/our-organization/our-policies-terms/ted-talks-usage-policy. For more information on using TED for commercial purposes (e.g. employee learning, in a film or online course), please submit a Media Request at https://media-requests.ted.com