The Happy Tech Lab
Lying at the intersection between digital technology, happiness, and health, the research in the Happy Tech Lab aims to answer basic scientific questions about the role of digital technology in health and well-being with both theoretical and applied implications. Methodologically, our research aims to elucidate psychological processes as they occur in the field and people’s regular daily lives, thus relying heavily on monitoring behavior and health in real time and relying on large survey data and Big Data analysis, while employing advanced statistical approaches such as machine learning and multilevel modeling. Researchers in the lab also aim to develop interventions to increase happiness and improve health through targeted modifications to people’s digital behavior. Through these statistical and experimental approaches, the lab thus aims to elucidate the psychological processes behind human health, happiness, and flourishing in the modern digitized human environment. Below you can find some of the incredible students and graduates involved with the ongoing work of the lab!
Current Research
Does Social Media Cause Poor Mental Health in Youth?
The mental health of adolescents in the United States has seen a steep decline since 2011, roughly coinciding with the increasing popularity of social media and smartphones. But does social media have a causal impact on the mental health of adolescents or are concerns about the effect of social media on kids a form of public hysteria? In this study, we will conduct the first field experiment in 11–14-year-olds to examine whether, how, and for whom social media harms mental health. The project will generate a massive amount of data, including text data, that we will be making available to researchers. This project is sponsored through a generous R01 grant from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).
Does ChatGPT Increase or Hamper Human Creativity?
As generative AI systems, particularly Large Language Models (LLMs) like GPT-4, become more prevalent in creative processes, they present a paradox: while these systems can enhance individual creativity, their widespread use poses a risk of reducing the diversity of creative outputs across groups of people—and humanity as a whole. We are currently exploring this paradox of the AI-driven homogenizing effect on creative content. A key contribution of our research is the development of the diversity growth rate, a novel metric that provides a dynamic and quantifiable perspective on how AI-generated content influences collective creativity.
Why Do People Use Their Smartphones More Than They Should?
Smartphone use has been shown to have negative effects on people's sleep, social interactions, mental health, and ability to focus. These negative impacts are frequently discussed in the media. However, despite widespread coverage, there appears to be little change in how individuals use their smartphones. This discrepancy raises important questions about the factors influencing smartphone usage patterns. We are currently investigating whether this persistent behavior stems from a lack of awareness of the negative effects, an underestimation of personal impact, or insufficient knowledge of available resources to manage smartphone use. By examining these potential explanations, we hope to gain insights into more effective strategies for promoting healthier digital habits.
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