(from Jenn Tran or, as she's locally known, "JT")
With all the social networking sites out there in addition to all the networking events we've been attending recently, I've found myself thinking a lot about how selective I am with the JTQT hours spent per person in my various social networks (JTQT = JT Quality Time).
Tim pointed out a really cool article in the LA Times about the social phenomenon (and contagion) of happiness "spreading" through social relationships. Apparently, happiness like the common cold is more likely to spread when you're within close proximity to someone!
Here's an interesting stat from the article: "Knowing someone who is happy makes you 15.3% more likely to be happy yourself, the study found. A happy friend of a friend increases your odds of happiness by 9.8%, and even your neighbor's sister's friend can give you a 5.6% boost."
Since it's the season of giving, I'll be sure to spend some extra out and about social time to spread the good spirits (I'm usually pretty chipper).
Check out the full article here.
(From Tim: You can also check out an interview with one of the authors on NPR's Science Friday Website here.)
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