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in General Factchecking by Newbie (390 points) 1 flag
People who are single are happier because they are living their most authentic lives without having to worry about someone else.
ago by (190 points)
1 0
I've never thought about a topic like this so it was really interesting to research this fact check. The article from Buzzfeed had many truthful statements regarding how single people could feel more happiness, but this fact-checking could be explored more and improved by searching for more scientific reasoning. I think having some accounts from various different types of people could benefit this research and really help confirm whether or not this fact is true.
ago by Newbie (200 points)
1 0
I see what you're getting at with the authenticity angle, but I think this might be oversimplifying things a bit. While being single definitely gives you more freedom to do your own thing, that doesn't automatically mean more happiness. Everyone's different - some people thrive being single while others are happiest in relationships. Maybe instead of saying one way is better, we could focus on how different lifestyles work for different people?
ago by (110 points)
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I totally agree with you. The article definitely seems to lack solid evidence, and it only focuses on specific perspectives instead of considering broader groups and using those responses as a foundation. It’s still an interesting topic that makes you think, though!
ago by (180 points)
0 0
While the idea of living your "most authentic life" sounds appealing, the claim overlooks the nuance in the original study. The research didn’t prove that being single makes people happier, just that some single people report being happy. Consider looking at the sources hyperlinked in the article or sources that explore happiness in both single and partnered people for a broader perspective.
ago by (130 points)
0 0
Being single can make some people happier because it gives them freedom and independence. Others might feel lonely without a partner. Overall, happiness depends on personal preferences and life circumstances. People in good relationships tend to be happy, but only if the relationship is healthy. It’s really about what works best for each person.

89 Answers

1 like 0 dislike
by Newbie (320 points)
The article talks about how both the single life and the married life can be beneficial for an individual, even having claims like married people are less likely to survive a fight with cancer. But this isn't and argument you can prove with numbers, this is only the matter of the individual and their opinion, and I believe while happiness can be found on both sides of the fence, they are different kinds of happiness that suit people differently based on the person.
Can't be true or false (Opinion, poem, etc.)
1 like 0 dislike
by Newbie (320 points)

In terms of psychological research, the answer is shaky. Some studies support the idea, and some disprove of it. I think that ultimately, this statement can't really be called a FACT, because its subjective in principal, and anyone who is in a couple could be unhappy or happy, and psychological studies have failed to see a pattern in relationship status and emotions that is concrete one way or the other:

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9523881/

There is plenty of evidence both for and against this, but the statement in isolation isn't a fact, its an opinion.

Can't be true or false (Opinion, poem, etc.)
0 like 0 dislike
by Newbie (260 points)

I don’t think being single necessarily makes you happier. If anything that would be a personal opinion. In fact theres evidence that shows the exact opposite.

One Of the sources i found comes from the article “love and the brain, do partnerships really make us happy?”

https://www.scientificamerican.com/podcast/episode/love-and-the-brain-do-partnerships-really-make-us-happy-heres-what-the-science-says/

False
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by Newbie (300 points)

In Buzzfeed's article "Actually, Some People Are Happier (And Healthier) Being Single", author Katie Camero presents the claim that single adults in the US are generally more happy than adults who are coupled up. However, the title of this article, as well as the article itself, is misleading. Mrs. Camero uses quotes from people who wrote to Buzzfeed, detailing how much happier they are being single. However, this evidence seems anecdotal at best, as these are merely the opinions of a few people. She also cites various therapists and psychoanalysts, who make claims such as “Single people are actually more sociable than married ones, and growingly so in past few decades”. However, there are no sources linked to these claims besides the people that are saying them. In actuality, a paper published by researchers at the Simon Fraser University in Canada, who aggregated results from 58 studies conducted across the world, illustrated that single adults report lower life satisfaction and subjective well-being compared to adults in relationships. Therefore, it is safe to say that the author of this Buzzfeed article did not research the claim of her article very well before she wrote it. 

Sources Used:

https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/19485506211030102

False
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by Newbie (320 points)

When looking at this statement there really is no way to tell if it is true or false.  Everyone experiences life differently and one thing won't work for everyone.  When reading through the article it does provide some statistics trying to support the claim saying "A 2019 analysis of US Census data shows that about 40% of adults between ages 25 and 54 were unpartnered (neither married nor living with a partner). That’s up from 29% in 1990.  For some, it’s a choice. For others, singlehood is something they fall into through the death of a partner or a breakup. Divorce is more acceptable now than in decades past and women in particular have more educational and career opportunities that allow them to thrive solo. More people are opting for a child-free existence, and even if they want kids, they may have the financial means and social support to do so without a partner."  So, while the article does provide some context on why it can be good for people, you can't definitively say that everyone will be happier being single.

Can't be true or false (Opinion, poem, etc.)
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by Newbie (320 points)
This claim can be more of an opinion than a fact. Everyone is different and thinks differently from one another, such as how someone prefers their companionship, relationship expectations, and connections. Someone could find the perfect person who matches all those reasons and more, and another person could spend forever trying to find just one good quality in a person and never find it, which makes it likely they will be happier alone. As stated in the article above, "Some people believe a romantic relationship is essential for their happiness and well-being, while others find fulfillment and satisfaction without a partner." This can, again rather, be proven as an opinion than a fact. Everyone is different, and there is no real factual evidence showing- "people who are single are happier."
Can't be true or false (Opinion, poem, etc.)
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by Newbie (300 points)
This article doesn't provide the correct kind of concrete evidence to back up its claim. The only data it presents is US Census data on the percentage of adults between the ages of 25 and 54 who are single, and data on the difficulties that come with relationships. It also include quotes from people on their feeling about the subject, but this is all opinion and not enough to base this claim in fact. The article doesn't do enough to get away from the inherent subjectivity of the claim, which is why I can neither grade it as true or false. If they provided data on the happiness of people in relationships vs those not in relationships, maybe the claim could be supported.
Can't be true or false (Opinion, poem, etc.)
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by Newbie (300 points)
I think that this article dosent have enough evidence or polls too determine that being single actually makes you happier.  based upon what I read there are no facts that not dating somone can actually be better for your mental health besides each individuals personal opinion. I found that phycology today stated that being in a relationship is a preference as to if you enjoy it or not.
Can't be true or false (Opinion, poem, etc.)
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by Newbie (460 points)

This is very subjective since they are just giving an opinion on why single are happy and not single thing about the views of married couples or any other romantic relationship are in this article. Also homosexuals or lesbians and any other person the LGBTQ+ community aren't married is because there are certain religions that refuses to let those types of couples get married in their buildings historically now that has changed. But they do have evidence that there are a lot single people or aren't in a relationship and are doing fine. But there is a Time Magazine article about this topic and I would say it's better. But I am single, I really don't care about relationship but as a journalist I have to be subjective and fair. If the author of this article would have talked with someone that has the opposite perspective then it would've a good article and at a truthful one. This article is basically an opinion.

Time Article

https://time.com/6255111/single-people-happy-healthy/

Can't be true or false (Opinion, poem, etc.)
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by Newbie (320 points)
Buzzfeed is not a very accurate news source. Also, the only way for this to be measured would be through sociological data. This article is not based in sociological data, therefore acting more as an opinion. Therefore, this cannot be true or false. In the end, you must find happiness on your path.

https://goop.com/wellness/relationships/single-at-heart/?srsltid=AfmBOooMDBt2HliqQor0g7cCQPCXxzJVYyAQHJXI7RaqqbnNcQlxkei2
Can't be true or false (Opinion, poem, etc.)

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