MAKE HAPPY, BE HAPPY! MAKE UNHAPPY, BE UNHAPPY!
What if I told you that we commit every act of wrongdoing or bullying also harms ourselves? How would you feel if I mentioned numerous studies conducted in the field of positive psychology on this subject?
It was a cry for help that drew me to this topic: “We’ll take care of ourselves; just stop this mechanism.”
Yes, this storm of cruelty has unfortunately become a common practice in our era. Before it becomes an established tradition, we must “stop the machine” fueling it. Otherwise, while we might save the planet for future generations, humanity itself may not be “sustainable.” In other words, they may no longer be considered human. https://lnkd.in/dtgU78US
We are all connected by invisible threads, so our actions inevitably impact one another. Our behaviors and actions not only affect others but also have a direct impact on ourselves. Recent studies in the field of positive psychology have shed light on the dynamics of bullying and the power of kindness.
Bullying: A “Double-Edged Sword”
Bullying is often discussed in terms of its impact on victims. However, according to research, those exhibiting such behaviors are not immune to negative consequences either. A study published in the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health journal reveals that individuals who engage in bullying during adolescence tend to suffer from externalizing problems such as aggression, and internalizing issues like depression and anxiety. Rather than resolving these problems, bullying amplifies them, leading to long-term mental health challenges (1).
Similarly, another study highlighted by *ScienceDaily* confirms that bullying harms not only the victims but also the perpetrators, forcing us to consider the impact on all sides of the equation (2).
MAKE HAPPY, BE HAPPY: The Beneficial Cycle of Kindness
On the other hand, acts of kindness benefit not just the recipients, but also the giver. Research consistently shows that altruistic behaviors can improve a person’s mental and physical health, increase life satisfaction, and boost happiness. Numerous studies support the idea that kindness creates a positive feedback loop, enhancing the well-being of both the giver and the receiver.
So, What Does All This Mean for Us?
These insights into the psychological effects of our actions serve as a powerful reminder of the significant echoes our behaviors create: By choosing kindness, we not only improve the lives of others but also enrich our own, fostering the development of a healthier and more empathetic community.
The widespread impact of kindness and empathy can be seen in workplaces, schools, and communities. Those who practice kindness and understanding in the workplace often experience higher job satisfaction and stronger collaboration within their teams, which can, in turn, enhance productivity. In schools, empathy and support among students can significantly reduce peer bullying and improve the quality of the learning environment. Further, regarding the community level, empathetic behavior strengthens social cohesion, reduces conflicts, and promotes a more tightly-knit society.
Such actions contribute to positive societal change, improving overall public health and allowing individuals and communities to live more harmoniously and supportively together. Therefore, kindness is not just an individual choice; it is a social investment.
If you’re curious about the source of this inspiration, a friend of mine shared with me an Instagram conversation between Ece Aybike A. and ChatGPT, where she asked, “What is the most important lesson humanity has learned so far?” The response was lengthy, but in short, artificial intelligence emphasized “empathy, deep connections between humanity, and the power of collaboration.” As I reflected on this, I couldn’t help but wonder how, despite our intelligence, we sometimes forget this fundamental truth.
So, what I’m saying is this: As we continue to better understand the complex interactions of our actions, let’s commit ourselves to choose behaviors that lift others up and, in turn, heal ourselves. The issue involves more than just avoiding negative behaviors like bullying; it is about actively improving the world through kindness. I am confident that, in the future, our children and grandchildren will look back on how we handled today’s challenges with some criticism. Yet, we all have the power to make this world a better place.
1 https://capmh.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13034-021-00425-y
2 https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/05/190506105501.htm
*This article was originally published on August 25, 2025.
Note: This open-source article does not require copyright and can be quoted by citing the author.
