Dopamine Trap: Why are we used to instant pleasures?

Addiction to fast dopamine — is probably one of the most important topics that defines our daily lives in the digital age. It is the biological mechanism underlying our motivation, habits and perception of the world.

Dopamine — is not «happiness hormone» as it is often called, but rather «expectation hormone». Its main function — is not so much to bring satisfaction from the result as to motivate us to achieve it. When our brain feels a potential reward (such as a sweet dessert, an interesting video, or a like on social media), it releases dopamine, which creates a sense of desire and drives us to action. This reward system was vital to our ancestors, forcing them to look for food and build housing. The more complex and lengthy the process, the greater the reward at the end.

The problem is that modern technology, fast food and other «products» of quick pleasure have broken this natural system. Now we can get huge doses of dopamine instantly and with minimal effort.

For example, when we flip through a feed on social networks, every update, like or new comment — is like a miniature lottery. We don't know what we'll get the next moment, and this unpredictability causes our brains to release dopamine, prompting us to flip the tape further and further. The challenges posed to the player in video games are designed to keep him in the «dopamine loop at all times, and foods high in sugar, fat, and salt are specifically designed to cause a strong dopamine surge.

The problem is not dopamine itself, but how we get it. Our brain is programmed to receive rewards, but we abuse this mechanism by replacing the «slow dopamine» that long-term goals bring with instant gratification.

The more we consume fast dopamine, the less sensitive our receptors become. To obtain the same level of satisfaction, we need stronger and stronger incentives.

Our brain gets used to constantly changing stimuli. Tasks that require long-term concentration (for example, reading a complex book, learning a new language, working on a project) seem boring to us. We lose the ability to find satisfaction in the process, not just as a result.

Constant dopamine «swings» lead to emotional burnout, anxiety and apathy. When we don't get the usual dose of quick pleasure, the mood gets worse and we feel unhappy.

I understood one important truth: we don't have to completely give up technology to regain control. The key to solving the — problem is not a complete rejection of fast dopamine sources, but a conscious consumption and ability to find a balance. This means that we can set certain limits, like time limits on social media usage, and replace mindless tape flipping with longer-lasting activities.

I am convinced that true joy comes with «slow dopamine». This is the dopamine we get from activities that require effort and patience. Sports, creativity, reading, communication with loved ones — all this also stimulates our reward system, but in a different, more sustainable way. It gives us a sense of achievement, development and true enjoyment.