3 ms·
For a rational mind it is difficult to understand. However, social networks and many apps activate dopamine pathways in our brains [1]. The same pathway that ac
by jacek 9y ago
For a rational mind it is difficult to understand. However, social networks and many apps activate dopamine pathways in our brains [1]. The same pathway that activates when reward is "real" (according to your definition). Problem is, designers and engineers now understand this and use that purposefully to hook their users. To learn more about this phenomenon I recommend R. Lustig's new book "The Hacking of the American Mind".
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dopaminergic_pathways https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dopaminergic_pathways
- blfr 9y agoThere's nothing real about a drug high, and I didn't say "real." The explanation that these fearsome psychology engineers make us refresh Facebook waiting for a notification sounds a lot like updated neuro-linguistic programming (they drop an anchor!). Frankly, I don't buy it. There's something deeper about people so desperately seeking an ersatz of connection over social networks. This alienation could not have been caused by Facebook. It just happens to be benefiting from the same trend that brought us an opioid addiction epidemic and below replacement TFRs.
- deleted 9y ago[deleted]