by Roland Majla | November, 2024 | Roland Majla
You may also listen to the audio version of this article Dystopian fiction, with its bleak landscapes and oppressive regimes, might seem an unlikely place to find inspiration and hope. Yet, within these dark tales, we often encounter characters who exhibit remarkable resilience and positive psychology. By analyzing the elements of positive psychology present in dystopian stories, we can gain a deeper understanding of how these narratives offer hope and inspiration, even in the most challenging circumstances. Positive Psychology in Dystopian Fiction At first glance, dystopian fiction may appear to be the antithesis of positive psychology. However, many dystopian stories explore the human capacity for hope, resilience, and the pursuit of meaning, even in the face of adversity. You just have to look at it from a positive perspective, as everything has it’s positive side. Here are some examples of how elements of positive psychology can be found in dystopian fiction: Character Strengths Katniss Everdeen (The Hunger Games): Katniss displays immense courage as she volunteers to take her sister’s place in the deadly Hunger Games. Her resilience is evident in her ability to survive harsh conditions, overcome challenges, and protect those she loves. Winston Smith (1984): Despite the constant surveillance and threat of punishment, Winston maintains a rebellious spirit and a desire for truth and freedom. His unwavering belief in the importance of individual thought and expression demonstrates his courage and moral fortitude. Aren’t we a bit like him sometimes? Tris Prior (Divergent): Tris exhibits exceptional courage and resilience as she navigates a dangerous world and defies societal expectations. Her ability to adapt to challenging situations and overcome...
by Roland Majla | September, 2024 | Roland Majla
Introduction The convergence of positive psychology and artificial intelligence (AI) presents a compelling and potentially transformative field. AI’s capacity to process vast amounts of data, learn from patterns, and provide personalized recommendations offers exciting possibilities for enhancing positive psychology interventions. This blog post will delve into the ethical implications and potential benefits of using AI in this context, drawing on real-world examples and academic research. Ethical Implications Privacy and Data Security: One of the primary ethical concerns is the protection of personal data. AI-powered interventions often necessitate the collection and analysis of sensitive information, such as health records, financial data, and personal beliefs. Ensuring the confidentiality and security of this data is paramount. Bias and Discrimination: AI algorithms can inadvertently perpetuate biases present in the data they are trained on. If training data contains biases related to race, gender, or socioeconomic status, the AI may make discriminatory recommendations. Autonomy and Agency: Overreliance on AI-driven interventions could undermine individuals’ autonomy and agency. It is essential to ensure that AI is used as a tool to support human well-being, rather than replacing human judgment and decision-making. Accessibility and Equity: AI-powered interventions should be accessible to a diverse range of individuals, regardless of their socioeconomic status, geographic location, or technological literacy. Ensuring equity in access is crucial to avoid exacerbating existing inequalities. Examples of Potential Abuses: Personalized Advertising: AI could be used to target individuals with tailored advertisements based on their emotional state, potentially exploiting vulnerabilities. Government Surveillance: Governments might use positive psychology tools to monitor citizens’ mental health and identify potential threats, raising concerns about civil liberties. Workplace Discrimination:...
by Roland Majla | August, 2024 | Roland Majla
Introduction At first glance, positive psychology and existentialism might seem like an odd couple, like a bubbly cheerleader dating a brooding poet. One’s all about sunshine and rainbows, focusing on happiness and what makes life good, while the other ponders the heavier stuff, like meaning and mortality. But hey, opposites attract, right? Turns out, these two have more in common than you’d think. Existentialism isn’t all doom and gloom; it’s about embracing life’s challenges and finding your own meaning. And positive psychology isn’t just about plastering on a smile; it’s about building resilience and cultivating genuine well-being. So, buckle up for a wild ride as we explore how these seemingly different fields can actually team up to help us live more fulfilling lives. We’ll delve into how existentialism’s focus on meaning can supercharge positive psychology’s pursuit of happiness, and how accepting life’s curveballs (hello, existentialism!) can make us stronger and more resilient. Who knows, we might even uncover some surprising truths about what it means to be human. Positive Psychology: A Brief Overview Forget those dreary therapy sessions where you endlessly dissect your childhood traumas. Positive psychology is like a breath of fresh air, focusing on what makes you awesome and how to make life even better. Think of Martin Seligman as the captain of this feel-good ship. He’s the one who kicked off this whole movement, and thanks to him, scientists are now busy studying all the things that make us happy and fulfilled. We’re talking happiness, optimism, gratitude – all that good stuff. They’re even figuring out how to get “in the zone” with this cool...
by Roland Majla | June, 2024 | Roland Majla
Happiness is often held up as the ultimate aspiration, a state of being that promises fulfillment and contentment. We are constantly bombarded with messages promoting happiness as the key to a successful life, from social media posts showcasing picture-perfect moments to self-help books promising the secrets to eternal bliss. While joy and positivity are undoubtedly important for our well-being, an unwavering focus on happiness can inadvertently obscure the vital role that other emotions play in our lives. This exclusive emphasis on happiness, often perpetuated by societal expectations and media portrayals, can create a distorted view of emotional well-being and potentially hinder our personal growth and resilience. The Illusion of Unending Bliss The idea of constant happiness is not only unrealistic but also potentially harmful. It sets an unattainable standard that can leave individuals feeling inadequate and disappointed when they inevitably experience negative emotions. For instance, research by Gruber et al. (2011) found that individuals who strive for excessive happiness may experience lower well-being when they fall short of their expectations. This pursuit of perpetual happiness can lead to a suppression of authentic emotions, creating a disconnect from our true selves and hindering our ability to form genuine connections with others. Imagine a person who constantly tries to maintain a facade of happiness, even when feeling sad or anxious. This denial of their true feelings can not only lead to internal conflict but also prevent them from seeking the support they need. The Functional Role of Negative Emotions While often perceived as undesirable, negative emotions such as sadness, anger, and fear serve essential functions in our lives. Sadness...
by Roland Majla | April, 2024 | Happiness, Roland Majla
In a bustling hall at the World Happiness Summit in London 2024, Dr. Arthur Brooks, a renowned scholar and speaker, captivated the audience with his profound insights on redefining happiness and love as the ultimate currencies of life. With a blend of wisdom and simplicity, Dr. Brooks challenged conventional notions of happiness, urging us to transcend the mere pursuit of pleasure and instead embrace a holistic approach to fulfillment. Listen to the audio version of this article “Happiness is not merely a fleeting feeling,” Dr. Brooks emphasized, debunking the common misconception that happiness is synonymous with momentary joy or elation. Rather, he proposed a deeper understanding of happiness as a state of being, one that encompasses three essential elements: enjoyment, satisfaction, and meaning. According to Dr. Brooks, these macronutrients of happiness must be in harmonious balance for true fulfillment to be realized. Drawing on neuroscience, Dr. Brooks delved into the intricate workings of the human brain, highlighting the three distinct parts: the reptilian brain, the limbic system, and the prefrontal cortex. He elucidated how these components interact to process external stimuli, translate them into emotions, and guide our actions accordingly. Through this lens, Dr. Brooks underscored the inherent dangers of prioritizing pleasure as the sole objective in life, warning against the pitfalls of addiction and misery that inevitably follow such pursuits. “Satisfaction in life cannot be achieved by avoiding suffering,” Dr. Brooks asserted, urging listeners to confront adversity head-on rather than seeking to evade or suppress it. In a world that often seeks instant gratification and comfort, his words served as a poignant reminder of the transformative...
by Roland Majla | March, 2024 | Loneliness, Roland Majla, World Happiness Summit (Wohasu)
For those who are not aware of what WOHASU is, I’ll start my writing with a link: https://worldhappinesssummit.com/ WOHASU is The World Happiness Summit, and it was created to bring awareness about the benefits of happiness and wellbeing. Or as Karen Guggenheim the founder & CEO has said: “instead of letting life happen to you, show up to your life”. Listen to the audio version of this article At WOHASU 2024 in London, Karen had a brilliant conversation with Dr. Vivek Murthy, American Surgeon General who has a keen eye on loneliness and human connection. Dr. Vivek statistically explained the dire situation in North America and in general around the Western world, where 1 in 2 adults suffer a measurable level of loneliness, which leads to an increase of – 25% levels of anxiety and depression 29% levels of cardiovascular disease 31% levels of stroke 50% levels of dementia Ageing alone can lead to a higher level of all these morbidities, now, some of us are making things worse with our actions or inaction. In a world seemingly more connected than ever before, it’s paradoxical to acknowledge the epidemic of loneliness gripping societies worldwide. Dr. Vivek Murthy, Surgeon General of the United States, illuminated this sobering truth at the World Happiness Summit, shedding light on the staggering statistics that reveal the pervasive nature of loneliness and its detrimental effects on individuals and communities. According to Dr. Murthy’s insights, it’s alarming to learn that in the United States, one in two adults suffers from measurable levels of loneliness. This loneliness epidemic is not merely a matter of emotional discomfort;...
