THE HAPPINESS EFFECT

In this highly informative and readable book, Donna Freitas interviews 184 students from 13 different US universities, with a follow-up 14 survey taken by 884 volunteers, of whom, interestingly, 75% were women. The subtitle indicates the thesis of the book, that social media is driving a generation to appear perfect at any cost, with the huge social pressure that this represents. Young people invariably compare themselves with others, but the comparison on social media can be skewed by the fact that Facebook pages show people's best on the upside of life without any consideration for the inevitable downsides. This creates a split between real and online personalities with the concomitant criticism that the online personality is not in fact authentic. Indeed, young people craft, curate, construct and cultivate what amounts to a brand image online, with eventual employment in mind - sometimes this may necessitate a Facebook cleanup.

We are all susceptible to the opinions of others and seek approval in various ways. In this sense, our self-esteem is vulnerable and on social media is influenced by the number of likes - hence my title above. The tendency is for people to be driven by external rather than internal motivation. The author points out that we used to select photos for albums, but these albums remained private. Social media amplifies and publicises these selection effects. The perceived pressure is to be online all the time, which means that the smartphone is regarded as both a blessing and a curse. It was interesting to read how relieved many respondents felt when they were able to take a break from their phone (also because of FOMO – fear of missing out). This itself reflects our society of constant distraction, which also takes us away from the deeper sides of ourselves, and makes us unfamiliar with inner life. Paradoxically, an inner life is all the more necessary in the light of these external distractions.

It turns out that the anonymity of sites like Yik Yak gives students the opportunity to express not only their real opinions, but also hurtful views. In this sense, these kind of sites represent the shadow side as well as a liberation. This is also a common venue for bullying, which brings up the whole question of vulnerability. The findings show that students are wary of online dating apps, and do favour face-to-face meetings. However, relationships can become official on Facebook, as can break-ups. Some students deliberately quit social media, taking time out from online pressure.

The penultimate chapter proposes eight virtues based on Aristotle's idea of the mean. Some of these like authenticity and tolerance are fairly standard, but I wondered if others were in fact virtues. For instance, vulnerability is put forward when one might have used sensitivity or consideration. It seems to me that vulnerability is a state of mind rather than a virtue. Nor am I sure that forgetting is a virtue – what about forgiving? 'Living in the moment' is an interesting case as it relates to not doing so because one has one's eye on recording that same moment – there is an amusing account of students having a bad time taking the very photos designed to show what a good time they were having. The virtue of unplugging could be re-expressed as reflection - sitting, thinking and being alone, which leads into mindfulness practices as a way of coping with this online pressure. This is related to the eighth virtue of quitting, which may require courage in deciding to withdraw. Courage is much more recognisable as a virtue, especially moral courage in this instance.

The final chapter gives advice on how to take control of smartphones, especially on campus. The authorities need to create Wi-Fi oases and opportunities for students to slow down and just be. The author also raises the question of whether it is in fact ethical for employers to check Facebook pages. It has to be said that young people live in an incredibly competitive world where it is hard to stand out. By the end of this hugely instructive book, I was wondering whether there might be an opportunity to sponsor young people to unplug - say £5 per 24 hours as a way of raising money for charity. The book not only gives high-level analysis, but plenty of live illustrations of exactly how social media is impacting the lives of young people from different backgrounds – what the author calls the test generation.