A study undertaken by Coca-Cola has uncovered the leading sources of happiness. The global study which covers 16 countries and four continents identifies what happiness means to different. People in all countries agree real world contact with family and partners is a greater source of joy (77%) than virtual world alternatives.

Supporting this notion that human, rather than virtual interaction, is a greater source of pleasure; the biggest highlights of the day include catching up with loved ones in the evening (39%), eating with the family (22%) and chatting to friends or colleagues (17%). Modern alternatives such as watching TV (14%), connecting with others online (5%) and receiving the day’s first text message (2%) paled in comparison.

“The results of the Coca-Cola Happiness Barometer show that staying connected with friends and family remains an important source of happiness for people around the world, and that this holds true across all continents and nationalities, including here in the U.S.,” said Bill Kelly, Senior Vice President, Coca-Cola Trademark Brands, Coca-Cola North America.

The results also show that overall global happiness levels are high, with more than two thirds of people (67%) declaring they are satisfied with their lives. The results showed that, globally, people wouldn’t choose fame and fortune to bring happiness, instead citing travelling around the world (37%), volunteering to help others (26%) and meeting the love of their life (12%) as being the key contributors to happiness.

The study also found that drinking a Coke really does contribute to making people happy! More than half of the people surveyed (56%) cited the taste of Coca-Cola as something that makes them smile.