Distractions

[Quibbler]

In 1984 by George Orwell, the government uses many different ways of distracting the people. The government, or Big Brother, purposely distracts it's people so they will be more willing to follow and work for them. Distraction plays a major role in BB's attempt to keep the people under his control. With their focus somewhere else they'll forget about the real problem. Big Brother gives the people a common enemy, Goldstein, to hate. This hatred of Goldstein unifies everybody under the control of BB. This common enemy also scares the people, looking to BB for reassurance that they will be safe. With their attention and hate directed towards Goldstein, Big Brother is now free to do what he wants.

[Orwellian1]

I agree with you for the most part. In addition to this, I would like to point out that there is no real importance to Big Brother for the "citizens" of Oceania to be happy. He only need them be fearful of him and willing to do exactly what he says.