According to Mr. Melvin Tay of the Institute of Policy Studies ‘ Social Lab, study conducted at the consider reservoir has shown that the average number of close friends in Singapore has decreased from about 10 in 2018 to about 6 in 2024.  ,
Our joy is largely influenced by social relationships. This is especially true for young people who report higher levels of anxiety and less pleasure in less social networks, according to the research associate.
” As humans, we seek compassion and mental support. People would feel more vulnerable to mental health issues, panic, and despair, which may lead to a decline in happiness when these relationships were weak.
While Singapore continues to lead Southeast Asia, Mr. Tay noted that the country’s levels of happiness appear to possess waned.  ,
Neighbors are closing the gap, with Vietnam in particular seeing significant increases from 96th in 2015 to 46th next year.
This suggests that social support and powerful social cohesion can significantly increase happiness, yet with lower benchmark GDP levels, he said on CNA’s Singapore Tonight program.
He added that there are opportunities for advancement in non-economic factors like community support and work-life balance.
He echoed the study’s results regarding the link between goodwill and joy.
Studies consistently link pro-social behaviors like helping others, working, and giving to a cause with improved mental health, reducing stress, and enhancing life satisfaction, he said.
Knowing or perceiving that positive actions ( of pro-social acts ) contribute to your own happiness or satisfaction, too.