Happier (2.9.2)

Platform and Price
Free: Apple

RD Score
3 out of 5

Synopsis of the App
Marketed as a social gratitude journal surrounded by a positive community, the Happier app encourages you to find and share the happy moments of the day. With profile pictures, "smiles" instead of likes, "Happiers" instead of friends and a feed that updates in real time, Happier is like Facebook for gratitude.

Pros

  • Orange, sky blue and spring green color scheme and cheerful fonts set an upbeat tone and encourage a happy mood.
  • Find and follow Happiers who share your interests including animals, cooking, writing, dancing and more.
  •  "Smile" at others' happy moments to show support.
  • The happy feed never sleeps as the app includes people from all over the world.
  • Daily challenges maintain momentum by encouraging you to share a happy moment about something recently learned, for example.
  • Offers "Happier Tips" that suggest ways to increase happiness like volunteering or going outside.  
  • Be reminded to post and reflect on happy moments with daily reminders.
  • Organize your happy moments into collections to easily browse the areas of your life that make you feel happiest.
  • Throws confetti on screen when you share a happy moment.
  • Easily share happy moments to Facebook and Twitter.
  • Option for a private account- approving only certain friends to follow and view your feed happy moments.

Cons

  • Requires sign in via Twitter or Facebook and supplying an email address which may make some uncomfortable.
  • Occasional full page ads advertising online courses like "Meditation Vacation"

Bottom Line
Happier is a positive step towards fulfilling the creator's mission to take people from saying "I'll be happy when…" to "I'm happier now because."  With all of the focus lately on the positive effects of gratitude and happiness, Happier may just push you to find a happy moment in every day.

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Marisa Moore
Marisa Moore, MBA, RDN, LD, is based in Atlanta and specializes in culinary nutrition, communications and consulting. She blogs at marisamoore.com. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter.