introduction
“Understanding Media Messages about Happiness,” creates the opportunity for students to examine how messages and advertising from the media targets and shapes our understanding of happiness and well-being. They will identify, explore, and analyze the expectations created by the media, considering how unrealistic standards can impact the social-emotional and physical well-being of individuals, particularly youth. Within this analysis, students will consider how media messages about happiness do not always align with the views and values related to compassion and self-compassion. Fixed versus growth mindset will be discussed, as well as how students’ personal views and values may not align with media messaging about happiness.