There is a simple explanation for why humans tend to say how things could be 'better', when you ask them how things could be 'different'. It's even one of the core beliefs of buddhism: life is suffering.
To unpack that statement, think about someone that does nothing with their life. Literally nothing. They'll quickly suffer hunger, starvation and finally a slow death. These are the defaults of life, you cannot sit still. It is not a choice. Even us who feed ourselves, and live a life, will still suffer old age and death. All one can do is take action in their life to reduce their suffering now, and in the future. You can apply this model to all facets of life, from relationships, work, gym, healthy eating, art and so on.
So really the study has just thought about it from the wrong angle. It's not people thinking 'how things could be better', its the brain naturally thinking 'how can I reduce my suffering further'.
To unpack that statement, think about someone that does nothing with their life. Literally nothing. They'll quickly suffer hunger, starvation and finally a slow death. These are the defaults of life, you cannot sit still. It is not a choice. Even us who feed ourselves, and live a life, will still suffer old age and death. All one can do is take action in their life to reduce their suffering now, and in the future. You can apply this model to all facets of life, from relationships, work, gym, healthy eating, art and so on.
So really the study has just thought about it from the wrong angle. It's not people thinking 'how things could be better', its the brain naturally thinking 'how can I reduce my suffering further'.