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in General Factchecking by Newbie (310 points)
People who are single are happier because they are living their most authentic lives without having to worry about someone else.
ago by (100 points)
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The article claims single people are happier. It comes from BuzzFeed, which historically can be clickbait. The article starts with an anecdote from an author and podcaster who talks about being single in her work. The article uses census data, which, at first glance, can lead a reader to believe the validity of the article; however, the data used only outlines the percentage of people who are single and nothing more. The article does use some reputable sources, such as research journals, but there are also large claims being made that use TikTok or BuzzFeed itself as a source. Overall, the claim is exaggerated. The research presented shows that single people CAN be less stressed if they are single, but it does not definitively show that people are happier.
ago by Newbie (240 points)
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You bring up a great question, although this claim an be subjective and has a lot of other factors competing to a persons happiness rather than just their relationship status! When doing some research there were not a lot of reliable articles that back up this claim, and again it is very situational. Buzzfeed, while a great read!... also may not be the best when it comes to scientific information such as serotonin levels in the body, in relation to relationship status! Thanks!!
ago by (100 points)
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This article tackles the idea of how singleness is allowing more individuals to be happy now. This article brings up reputable statistics for its topic such as percentage of people satisfied with never getting married. By utilizing statistics, it makes this argument more convincing to see what percentage of single people tend to appreciate it or not. Nonetheless, this article makes me skeptical because much of the argument is opinionated. For example, a professor at the Hebrew University states how single people are more social and aware of social surroundings. Her career and position makes her trustworthy, yet it is unclear where she obtained this information. Single people's happiness clearly is different in each individuals and their singleness isn't always attributed to their happiness. We cannot decide these factors are causation, so this article is semi-trustworthy.
ago by (140 points)
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This article claims that individuals are happier when they are single however, this is an opinionated article and uses statistics that aren't necessarily correlated with the idea of being single but rather how many individuals are content with not being married. Which is fine but doesn't answer the same question of how many people are happy and satisfied mores because they are not in a relationship.  The is a professor within Hebrew University who explains that single individuals are much more social and aware of social surroundings. Her work tends to be trustworthy, yet it is also unclear where she discovered this information as well. A single person may be just as happy as the next married or taken person, just because they are single that is not to say that they are happy than the average committed couple.
ago by Novice (670 points)
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I think maybe re stating you claim in a way of saying it as a question like are you happier single or in a relationship? could be more powerful and could bring in a larger audience or maybe even just saying is being single better than being in a relationship? let's discuss and going into more depth with your opinion on this claim vs just simply coming out stating that single people are happier and not considering that yes that may be true for some people but people who are in relationship's could have the same amount of happiness no matter the amount of articles or evidence you want to provide

63 Answers

0 like 0 dislike
ago by Newbie (300 points)
This claim is extremely opinionated. The Buzzfeed article explains that single people have more fun doing everyday mundane activities, and are "happier". But there is no hard evidence or data to back up their claim. They used a chart of divorce rates, but that doesn't contribute to the argument enough. How are you going to test this hypothesis? This is a subjective topic and can not be measured.

https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/katiecamero/single-people-happiness
Can't be true or false (Opinion, poem, etc.)
0 like 0 dislike
ago by Newbie (260 points)

Buzzfeed News is not a very reliable resource if youre looking for an actual scientifically proven statement. Furthermore, this claim is partially true and partially untrue. This article talks about the benefits and opinions of being single and single person culture. While I support whatever people choose to do in their life, whether its being single or in a relationship, the claim that people are happier single is very opinionated. Being in a healthy relationship is meant to enhance your life and partnership in a bond. 

This article suggests that single people can be as happy as a healthy relationship! Though of course, there are some pros and cons to both.

Why Singles Can Be Just as Happy as Partnered People | Psychology Today

Can't be true or false (Opinion, poem, etc.)
0 like 0 dislike
ago by Novice (560 points)

The article discusses the complexities of being single in today's world, suggesting that it can lead to greater happiness and enjoyment of everyday activities. However, the assertion that "single people are happier" is inherently subjective and varies greatly from person to person. Although the article provides data on the challenges of dating and the increasing number of single individuals, it fails to substantiate its claims adequately. The statistics mentioned, particularly regarding divorce rates, do not sufficiently support the argument that singlehood is linked to happiness. This topic is difficult to quantify being single does not imply direct mental happiness. The article is from Buzzfeed, a loved and known platform with sensational headlines and very subjective opinions. Although the author has experience with the topic, having been single for a long time and hosting a podcast, this personal perspective can introduce bias and potentially lead to exaggeration or selective information. In contrast, I found another article that presents a different viewpoint, arguing that single individuals may be less happy than those in relationships. It cites research indicating that those who view relationships as unimportant tend to be more satisfied than single young adults who still hold romantic desires. This perspective emphasizes that the happiness derived from relationships is less about the relationship status itself and more about individual mindsets and attitudes towards romance. Ultimately, this is a nuanced topic without clear answers. The happiness of individuals regarding their relationship status seems to hinge more on personal outlook than on whether one is in a relationship. Being content in life appears to be more about one's mindset and approach to relationships, rather than the mere fact of being single or coupled.

link here!

Can't be true or false (Opinion, poem, etc.)
0 like 0 dislike
ago by Newbie (300 points)
The contents of this article is all true however, it is misleading. it focuses heavily on being happy while single, and makes it seem like if you are single, you will automatically be happier when in reality that is not the case. There are many factors that go into being happy while single, but it is not a guarantee, in most cases you have to go out and seek those factors. When I fact checked this article I found several other sources (SPSP, and Time magazine) saying that yes you can be happy while single, but the emphasis was more on the “can” and it was clear that you will not automatically be happier while single. Another point I would like to make is that this article only focuses on the happiness of women, it does not mention men although the title makes it seem as though it applies to all.
0 like 0 dislike
ago by Newbie (340 points)
According to an article by the Institute of Family Studies, a General Social Survey done in 2022 shows that 40% married women with children are "very happy" in comparison to 22% unmarried and childless people (ages 18-55) who are happy. This survey can support that not only parenthood but also marriage are linked to happiness unlike those who are unmarried or single. Of course those who are single may have more room in their lives for their own enjoyments and life goals, but those who are in a relationship or marriage have the more stability in their life that ultimately can bring about happiness more often.
0 like 0 dislike
ago by Novice (600 points)
This claim that people who are single are happier is claimed in an article published by Buzzfeed. The article explains how being single now a days leads to a more stress free life and overall happier life. However this claim cannot be proven true or false because it is based on the emotional status of each individual. One person may really like being in relationship while a more individualized person doesn't care to be in a relationship it's all about what a person feels. Therefore this claim cannot be true or false and its entirely based on opinion.
Can't be true or false (Opinion, poem, etc.)
0 like 0 dislike
ago by Novice (660 points)
The statement that single people are happier is false. This is a very opinionated statement and is generally up to the person's preferences. While there are some valid points in the article, BuzzFeed is not the most reliable source. They also should've used citations after writing this article. They could've used some more evidence when mentioning stats about divorce. Due to the very opinionated statement, it's important to look at authentic resources and credit them when citing their work.
Can't be true or false (Opinion, poem, etc.)
0 like 0 dislike
ago by Newbie (300 points)
This is true to an extent. Happiness is very complicated on its own. But using measures of health, socializing, and overall satisfaction with their life it can be observed that many people are extremely happy alone and choose to be single because it makes them happier. According to Time Magazine, it matters the situation in which you as a person see the world. They state, "marriage doesn't necessarily make you happy...more likely, happier people tend to get married". So it depends on the person and what they believe will be fully satisfactory in their life.  If someone wants a partnership but doesn't have one, it can lead to being "less satisfied in...life". Also, single people are reported to be more social, which many scientists say is important in the full happiness of life. So, yes single people can be happier but mostly it's circumstantial.
Can't be true or false (Opinion, poem, etc.)
0 like 0 dislike
ago by Newbie (300 points)

I looked up the information on psychology today and reviewed the studies.https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/happy-together/202402/are-single-or-partnered-young-adults-happier#:~:text=The%20study%20supports%20that%20while,particularly%20interested%20in%20romantic%20relationships. The researchers have found that singlehood can indeed be a source of happiness for those not particularly interested in romantic relationships. I would say that the claim is misleading. Being single or being in a relationship does not determine happiness other factors are in play as well. Both single and partnered people can experience happiness, but it’s often determined more by individual circumstances, support systems, and life goals than by relationship status alone.

0 like 0 dislike
ago by Newbie (260 points)

This statement is situational and opinion based. " For others, singlehood is something they fall into through the death of a partner or a breakup. " You can date some one that makes your horribly unhappy or you can date someone that makes your life better then before. The flat statement that "People who are single are happier because they are living their most authentic lives without having to worry about someone else." is not true because tit varies from relationship to relationship. The article states that more people than ever are now choosing to stay single, or are single by circumstance. This doesn't nesscarliy mean it's better for everyone.“There’s a misconception that single people are bad at relationships or need relationship advice,” Silver said. “We don’t need relationship advice, because we’re not in relationships. We need singlehood advice.” 

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