How people measure when it comes to happiness is different - some find them in relationships, travel, and some in money. And in this fast-paced society that never seems to slow down, people tend to spend money in search of the happiness that they're looking for. With the increasing expense of daily life and more exposure to wealthy people spending their money, it becomes an unconscious habit that people adapt and want to have also. For people who are not in a luxurious environment - spending money is gambling, where they have to prioritize which and what to do that are not so costly.
Money can't buy happiness, some people say. But according to research, money does buy happiness to a certain extent, such as emotional well-being rises along with income. Having more money is not simply buying daily needs but also experiencing things that require money (for instance, travel). Meanwhile, people who live below the poverty line and constantly worry about expenditure and income tend to have higher stress levels. Being able to afford things that we might not necessarily need would make us happy at the moment, but these feelings will gradually decline over time. This phenomenon is called a hedonic treadmill. The hedonic treadmill is where people pursue another treasure after achieving one. To some people, happiness requires money, so people tend to work more to earn more. Socializing has become secondary, even though for some, it brings joy.
While to the rich, money does buy happiness, but not through items - but experiences. People tend to be happier when they're anticipating events like vacations and when they recall those memories later. Bonding time with other people is considered inexpensive happiness that all people can afford, and by that, the happiness itself lasts longer than possessions. Again, happiness is varied for everyone and can't be generalized on how to achieve them, especially using money as a way out. People who used to live below the poverty line and got their way up to the middle-upper class tend to buy possessions they desire because they weren't able to. Money can buy happiness, as it lets us live a lifestyle where bills are paid, the roof is above our head, and food is on the table. People who are used to luxury, maybe some, tend to prefer human interaction as part of their happiness rather than possessions. It depends on one's perspective regarding happiness that can't be generalized at all.
