Series 2 of 5: "The Happiness Industry is Scamming You: How Positivity Became Toxic"

"‘Just think positive!’ they said. So you did. And now you’re crying in a Starbucks bathroom, wondering why pretending to be happy made you want to die."

1. 1. The Positivity Industrial Complex

- 2024 meta-analysis: 68% of people feel more shame after consuming "good vibes" content

1. • - How influencers profit from manufactured joy

   •  

2. 2. The Science of Suppression

   • - Journal of Psych. Science study: Repressing emotions increases cortisol by 40%

   • - fMRI scans show forced smiling activates pain pathways

   •  

3. 3. Radical Authenticity

   • - Therapist-approved script: "I’m not okay—and that’s human"

   • - Iceland’s "Bad Mood Cafés" (spaces where gloom is celebrated)

   •  

Closing Rebellion:
"Tag someone who needs to quit the positivity cult. Then admit one ‘negative’ emotion you’re finally allowing yourself to feel."

#Bearyboo @Pixabay for the photo