Prof. Dr. Hanno Beck on ZDF's Terra X: What really makes us happy

vunk member Prof. Dr. Hanno Beck, economist and professor of economic policy at Pforzheim University, was recently a guest on the science program Terra X (ZDF). The conversation with host Prof. Dr. Harald Lesch revolved around the central question: What actually makes people happy?

In the interview, Prof. Beck explained that, from an economic perspective, happiness is much more than material prosperity. While classic indicators such as gross domestic product correlate with quality of life, they do not adequately reflect individual happiness. Much more meaningful are personal satisfaction and snapshots of happiness, as psychologists today record them through surveys or apps.

Prof. Beck distinguished between happiness as an emotional high—such as after passing an exam—and satisfaction, which manifests itself as a lasting feeling in social bonds and everyday situations. Both states are measurable, but strongly influenced by individual, genetic, and social factors.

Another highlight: happiness not only promotes mental well-being, but has also been proven to promote health and life expectancy. Social contacts, an active lifestyle, and the ability to focus on the positive are particularly important. Prof. Beck warned against the negative effects of social media and comparisons with others and gave practical tips: spending more time with real friends, exercise, gratitude, and conscious use of digital media can increase one's own happiness in the long term.

Prof. Beck's presentation shows how current, interdisciplinary research generates practical results. He also emphasizes the mission of the vunk Institute: consumer, user, and sustainability research for people in the society of the future.

The interview is available here: https://www.zdf.de/video/dokus/terra-x-harald-lesch-102/terra-x-harald-lesch-interview-mit-professor-hanno-beck-100