Why bronze feels better than silver #shorts #science #SciShow

The transcript discusses a study on Olympians from 1992 to 2016, revealing that bronze medalists are generally happier than silver medalists. This is attributed to bronze medalists comparing their achievement to not winning any medal, while silver medalists compare theirs to winning gold. The concept of status plays a significant role, as silver medalists are closer to gold and thus feel more disappointed. This phenomenon is not limited to sports; similar feelings occur in everyday situations, such as missing a flight by a few minutes versus a longer time. The key takeaway is that failing by a larger margin can sometimes lead to greater happiness.

What is one reason why bronze medalists might feel happier than silver medalists?

• They receive more prize money.

• They are closer to winning gold.

• They compare their achievement to not winning any medal.

• They have more fans.

Why might silver medalists feel less happy compared to bronze medalists?

• They are further from winning gold.

• They compare their achievement to winning gold.

• They have fewer sponsorships.

• They receive less media attention.

What does the study suggest about the role of status in the happiness of silver medalists?

• They lose status by winning any medal.

• They gain more status by moving up to gold than down to bronze.

• Status is only important for gold medalists.

• Status is irrelevant to their happiness.

How does the concept of comparative happiness apply to missing a flight?

• People who miss their flight by a narrow margin are more upset.

• People who miss their flight by a larger margin are more upset.

• People are equally upset regardless of how much they miss their flight by.

• Missing a flight has no impact on happiness.

What lesson can be learned from the study about handling failure?

• Failing by a small margin is less upsetting.

• Success is the only path to happiness.

• Failing by a larger margin can be less upsetting.

• Failure should always be avoided.