Does the Internet Make You Happy?

Dr. Pamela RutledgeMedia Psychology Research Center

A Think Lab

Panel PresentationSxSW 2011

March 13, 2011

NO

It’s not about the

tools

Happiness comes from within

Neocortex

Emotional

Lizard

Happiness actually starts here

H = S + C + V

The Psychology of Happiness

• Voice • Social Affiliation

• Agency• Engagement• Self-efficacy

• Seeing children smile• Laughing• Helping others• Connecting with others• Love• Freedom • Choice• Play• Gratitude• Competence• Good health• Sex

What makes people happy?

The Internet doesn’t make you happy.

The Internet facilitates the human goals that make

you happy.

Thank You

Dr. Pamela RutledgeSxSW Panel

March 13, 2011Media Psychology Research Center

A Think Labpam@athinklab.com