To get anthropological about it, humans are very strongly wired to seek approval from our immediate social groups, as your social standing was one of the most absolutely critical factors in your survival and reproduction. Especially because social exile for most of human history meant simply death.
It's not so much about people thinking that social media makes them happy. It's social media hijacking what our ancient brains think is important. This is why so many people can emphatically tell you that social media doesn't make them happy, yet they continue to consume it.
It's not so much about people thinking that social media makes them happy. It's social media hijacking what our ancient brains think is important. This is why so many people can emphatically tell you that social media doesn't make them happy, yet they continue to consume it.