As we celebrate the International Day of Happiness in 2025, it’s hard not to notice how artificial intelligence is becoming a bigger part of our lives. It raises some interesting questions about how it’s affecting our happiness. The quest for happiness is as old as time, but technology is giving it a new twist. While happiness is a bit of a moving target, AI is undeniably influencing our work, relationships, and personal growth.
Throughout history, people have chased happiness in different ways. Some seek pleasure, which is the essence of hedonism, while others, like Plato, have focused on virtue and realizing one’s potential—what he called eudaimonia. Then there are philosophies like Stoicism and Buddhism, which offer unique takes on happiness through acceptance and freedom from desire.
These days, the chase for happiness often gets tangled up with power and possessions. But as we know, having more money doesn’t necessarily mean you’re happier. Plus, how we view happiness can vary by culture. In Western countries, it’s often about personal success, whereas in many Asian cultures, it’s more about social harmony.
Gandhi once said, “There is enough for everyone’s needs, but never enough for everyone’s greed.” This idea is crucial in our AI-driven world. While AI might help meet our material needs, true happiness is about more than just stuff. It’s about understanding our connections in this increasingly blended world.
AI’s growing role prompts some big questions. Can it boost our well-being by taking over boring tasks, freeing us up for things that matter more? Or could it end up making us feel less in control? There’s a risk that our personal growth could be stunted by algorithms that create echo chambers, limiting our perspective.
The effect of AI on happiness is complex and depends on how we choose to use it. To navigate this new terrain, we should focus on four key principles: Awareness of AI’s impact, Appreciation for both human and AI strengths, Acceptance of technological change, and Accountability to ensure ethical AI development.
By embracing these principles, we can use AI to improve our lives and move towards a more sustainable form of happiness. This World Happiness Day is a chance to rethink what happiness means in a world where technology can empower both individuals and communities.
