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Now if there's ever an occasion to say "correlation isn't causation" it's this one. There are so many factors to consider here that drawing any kind of relation

by simias 9y ago

Now if there's ever an occasion to say "correlation isn't causation" it's this one. There are so many factors to consider here that drawing any kind of relation between "drinking culture" (how do you even define this?) and general population happiness sounds preposterous to me. Furthermore in this case the correlation is rather week if you compare it with https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_alcohol_consumption_per_capita https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_alcohol_c... It reminds me of people who praise smoking saying that they get to meet people during breaks. I'm sure they do but certainly there are other ways to achieve the same result that don't involve hurting one's health? You can definitely go to a pub of your choice and socialize while drinking non-alcoholic beverages if you want.

jonballant 9y ago
I'm not saying its a simple as: Drink Alcohol=Happy Country. But I would bet the variable is statistically significant. And you're right there are plenty of other healthy ways to achieve happiness. But to go to the other extreme and say there are zero positive effects correlated with happiness is an overstatement. This Is How Happy Alcohol Makes You, Researchers Say http://time.com/4347687/alcohol-happiness-boost/ http://time.com/4347687/alcohol-happiness-boost/
- simias 9y ago
  >But I would bet the variable is statistically significant. You need to justify this then because it's not at all obvious to me. I've had a few friends who once were alcoholics, they look significantly happier now. Socializing probably makes you happier but you don't have to drink alcohol to do that. >But to go to the other extreme and say there are zero positive effects correlated with happiness is an overstatement. I didn't say that, I'm just saying that you're argument is weak. Maybe there is, maybe there isn't but drawing conclusions from this list of happiest countries in the world is disingenuous, I'm sure variations in wealth, education and political climate (and even climate in general) drowns any statistical influence "drinking culture" might have. And while I'm willing to believe that alcohol consumption might has positive effects for some people you have to balance it with the many potential negative effects to see if you end up with a net positive. The link you posted said people are happier while they drink, which is not frankly surprising to me. It doesn't say that drinkers are happier in general. If you drink to forget your troubles I'm sure you're happier while drunk but I'm not sure it's a net positive.

by simias 9y ago

jonballant 9y ago

I'm not saying its a simple as: Drink Alcohol=Happy Country. But I would bet the variable is statistically significant. And you're right there are plenty of other healthy ways to achieve happiness. But to go to the other extreme and say there are zero positive effects correlated with happiness is an overstatement. This Is How Happy Alcohol Makes You, Researchers Say http://time.com/4347687/alcohol-happiness-boost/ http://time.com/4347687/alcohol-happiness-boost/

simias 9y ago
>But I would bet the variable is statistically significant. You need to justify this then because it's not at all obvious to me. I've had a few friends who once were alcoholics, they look significantly happier now. Socializing probably makes you happier but you don't have to drink alcohol to do that. >But to go to the other extreme and say there are zero positive effects correlated with happiness is an overstatement. I didn't say that, I'm just saying that you're argument is weak. Maybe there is, maybe there isn't but drawing conclusions from this list of happiest countries in the world is disingenuous, I'm sure variations in wealth, education and political climate (and even climate in general) drowns any statistical influence "drinking culture" might have. And while I'm willing to believe that alcohol consumption might has positive effects for some people you have to balance it with the many potential negative effects to see if you end up with a net positive. The link you posted said people are happier while they drink, which is not frankly surprising to me. It doesn't say that drinkers are happier in general. If you drink to forget your troubles I'm sure you're happier while drunk but I'm not sure it's a net positive.