ACE Speaker Amy Blankson Shares Insights Ahead of IECA 2025 Annual Conference

In an era of constant change and mounting pressure, the pursuit of joy often feels elusive. How can we live joyfully despite the obstacles?

Happiness expert Amy Blankson, bestselling author of The Future of Happiness and chief evangelist for the Digital Wellness Institute, shared her thoughts with IECA ahead of the IECA 2025 Annual Conference (May 5–7 in Detroit), where she’ll be featured as an ACE (Adolescence, Consulting, and Education) Speaker during our General Opening Session on Monday, May 5.

What led you to studying the intersection of happiness and technology?
I’ve always been obsessed with understanding what makes us thrive—not just survive. But as tech became a bigger part of our lives, I noticed this disconnect: we had more tools, more apps, more connection than ever—and yet people felt more anxious, distracted, and burned out. I wanted to know: could tech be part of the solution instead of the problem? That question launched me into the world of digital well-being, and I haven’t looked back.

What is the relationship between happiness and tech?
It’s all about intentionality. Tech isn’t inherently good or bad—it’s how we use it. When tech is aligned with our values and helps us connect, create, and grow, it can boost our well-being. But when it pulls us into comparison, distraction, or burnout? That’s when happiness takes a hit. We need to stop treating our devices like default settings and start designing our digital lives with intention.

How do you think technology—and social media, in particular—has impacted mental health? Do you see differences between the impact on teenagers and older adults?
Social media can be a double-edged sword. It offers connection, creativity, and belonging—but it also comes with comparison traps, highlight reels, and dopamine loops that can seriously mess with our self-worth. Teens are especially vulnerable because their brains and identities are still developing. But older adults aren’t immune—they just tend to struggle more with overwhelm or isolation than identity. We need different strategies for different age groups, but across the board, the solution starts with digital self-awareness.

What are appropriate tech boundaries, and how do we teach these to our kids?
I keep it simple:
1. Create more than you consume.
2. Balance your time online and offline.

It’s not just about screen time—it’s about whole-life balance. You can be on screens for two hours and still be out of alignment if you’re not sleeping well, moving your body, connecting with people, or getting your work done. I like to focus on flourishing as a mindset—one where tech supports your goals, not sabotages them. And kids? They learn from what we model, not just what we say. Boundaries stick when they’re rooted in values, not rules.

What’s an example of a micro-habit for happiness that you recommend?
Don’t look at your phone for the first five minutes of the day.

That’s it. No scrolling, no texts, no news, no emails. Give yourself space to be human before you plug into the digital world. Those first five minutes set the tone for your day—so start with intention, not anxiety. It’s a small habit with massive ripple effects for your focus, mood, and mindset.

What’s next for your research?
I’m so excited to be working with the World Flourishing Organization to release the results of the first-ever Global Flourishing Study. This is a huge milestone—backed by Harvard, Gallup, and Baylor—looking at what it truly means to flourish across 22 countries. We’re moving beyond the question “Are you happy?” to a much deeper one: “Are you flourishing?” It’s the largest and most significant study of its kind since Waldinger’s 1938 Study of Adult Development, and I think the results will help organizations and schools to shift from siloed perspectives of happiness well-being to a more holistic study of human flourishing across multiple domains. I can’t wait to share more at the conference!