According to Harris, these strategies backfire. Trying to avoid discomfort only amplifies it.
The happiness trap is a phenomenon where individuals become stuck in a cycle of pursuing happiness, only to find that it eludes them. This can lead to feelings of disappointment, frustration, and even despair. According to Harris, these strategies backfire
Harris explains that evolution wired our brains to seek pleasure and avoid pain. However, society sells the myth that we should feel good 100% of the time. When we inevitably feel sad or anxious, we think something is “wrong,” leading to a struggle that backfires. The adds a section on how social media “highlight reels” worsen this trap. According to Harris