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We found out that joy matters

Joy is a vital human emotion—but as researchers noted in 2020, “surprisingly little” study has investigated exactly what it means and how to experience more of it. In 2023, that started to change. Researchers from more than a dozen institutions, including Harvard and the University of California, Berkeley, teamed up to determine whether performing micro-acts of joy changes how people feel in the short- and long-term, and whether there are differences based on factors like age, race, and location. Inaugural data from the BIG JOY Project—the world’s largest citizen science project on joy, with nearly 70,000 participants spanning more than 200 countries—were released in November. Among the findings: Daily micro-acts of joy, like making a gratitude list or practicing positive reframing, helped participants experience a 25% increase in emotional well-being, 34% boost in levels of coping perception, and 12% jump in self-reported sleep quality over the course of a week. People can still sign up to participate in the project, and published research further quantifying the benefits of joy is expected in 2024.—Angela Haupt

Summary

Health and Science:

• COVID-19 deaths fell significantly: Thanks to widespread vaccinations and treatments, COVID-19 deaths plummeted compared to previous years.
• Life expectancy rose: With fewer fatalities from the virus, life expectancy in the U.S. started to climb back up.
• Major advances in surgical science: Doctors achieved remarkable feats like transplanting animal organs into humans and performing the world’s first whole-eye transplant.
• CRISPR gene-editing for a disease: Patients with sickle cell anemia received the first-ever CRISPR treatment for a disease in the U.S.

Climate and Environment:

• Electric vehicles reduced fossil fuel demand: EVs made a noticeable dent in global oil use, paving the way for a cleaner future.
• Good climate ideas became action: Innovative clean energy solutions like long-lasting iron-air batteries and carbon-based thermal batteries moved from concept to reality.
• A landmark treaty for the High Seas: A new agreement established a legal framework for protecting previously unregulated ocean areas.
• COP28 acknowledged the problem and solutions: Climate negotiations finally recognized the need to transition away from fossil fuels and ramp up renewables.
• Climate lawsuits started making a difference: A growing number of legal cases pushed governments and corporations toward responsible environmental practices.

Other Improvements:

• Violent crime declined: Across the U.S., violent crime rates dropped significantly.
• More scientific studies became free: Open access initiatives made research data more accessible to the public.
• Joy was scientifically proven to matter: A large-scale project demonstrated the positive impact of daily micro-acts of joy on well-being and sleep.

Overall, 2023 was a year marked by progress in various areas despite ongoing challenges. From advancements in healthcare and climate action to a renewed focus on mental well-being, these positive developments offer hope for the future.