Reference: Walsh, L. C., Regan, A., Twenge, J. M., & Lyubomirsky, S. (2022). What is the Optimal Way to Give Thanks? Comparing the Effects of Gratitude Expressed Privately, One-to- One via Text, or Publicly on Social Media. Affective science, 4(1), 82–91. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42761-022-00150-5 What strengthens relationships? Psychologists know that expressing gratitude improves one’s own and others’ positive feelings. But researchers asked, “Does the means of gratitude expression make a difference—whether shared one-on-one with the benefactor, or shared on social media?” Researchers randomly assigned 1100 undergraduate students to 1 of 4 conditions: to write gratitude letters without sharing; share gratitude one-on-one via text; share gratitude publicly on social media; or track their own daily activities. Participants completed assigned activities 4 times over 1 week. Results? Participants’ expressing gratitude showed improvements in state of gratitude, emotions, connectedness, support, and decreased loneliness. The largest increase in social connectedness and support was when participants texted to their benefactor. These findings demonstrate how simple efforts to show gratitude by digital means can enhance college students’ well-being. Overall, there are benefits of expressing gratitude, like making others feel happier, self-satisfied with their lives, and more socially connected and less lonely. Everyone! Reach out, give thanks! Make a kind gesture and show your friends and family how much you feel thankful. Express your appreciation for others and what you share together in your life---even simply for their actions with a text!

Written by Kristin M. Harris, Ph.D.