3 ms·

Isn't "dopamine addiction" (as well as "dopamine fasting") a scientifically-debunked myth? Also why would I block a website if reading it is what I enjoy? Won'

Isn't "dopamine addiction" (as well as "dopamine fasting") a scientifically-debunked myth? Also why would I block a website if reading it is what I enjoy? Won't this just make me less happy? I personally am blessed to have zero interest in Facebook and Instagram but I procrastinate a huge lot (seemingly way more than I should) by reading HN. But this also is my primary channel through which I get useful knowledge (more than half of which, picked by my attention, is unrelated or loosely related to IT) and most of the idea about what's going on outside of my home and office. Should I block HN?

yuppie_scum 5y ago
Walk into a casino sometime during the day and report if you still think it’s a myth.
b3morales 5y ago
> I procrastinate a huge lot ... by reading HN. But this also is my primary channel through which I get useful knowledge Speaking as someone in the same boat, yes, this is pretty much what the pop concept "dopamine addiction" is meant to convey. I've also heard it called "intermittent variable reward" (which also may not be the correct technical term). You and I come here, and most of the time we get nothing interesting, but every so often -- just often enough -- there's something stimulating. And the brain remembers that stimulation, and "decides" that the wasted time does not outweigh the reward, and keeps wanting to go try again, hoping to get a juicy tidbit.
- qwerty456127 5y ago
  Seems a perfect answer to me. Reading people dissecting and communicating things the way you just did is what I find among the best pleasures in the world, only available on this website.
  - b3morales 5y ago
    Thanks! And case in point: I can "feel" my brain delighting in your reply and resolving to try more things to make that happen again. We are funny creatures. :) Best of luck to you.

3 ms·

Isn't "dopamine addiction" (as well as "dopamine fasting") a scientifically-debunked myth? Also why would I block a website if reading it is what I enjoy? Won'

by qwerty456127 5y ago

yuppie_scum 5y ago
Walk into a casino sometime during the day and report if you still think it’s a myth.
b3morales 5y ago
> I procrastinate a huge lot ... by reading HN. But this also is my primary channel through which I get useful knowledge Speaking as someone in the same boat, yes, this is pretty much what the pop concept "dopamine addiction" is meant to convey. I've also heard it called "intermittent variable reward" (which also may not be the correct technical term). You and I come here, and most of the time we get nothing interesting, but every so often -- just often enough -- there's something stimulating. And the brain remembers that stimulation, and "decides" that the wasted time does not outweigh the reward, and keeps wanting to go try again, hoping to get a juicy tidbit.
- qwerty456127 5y ago
  Seems a perfect answer to me. Reading people dissecting and communicating things the way you just did is what I find among the best pleasures in the world, only available on this website.
  - b3morales 5y ago
    Thanks! And case in point: I can "feel" my brain delighting in your reply and resolving to try more things to make that happen again. We are funny creatures. :) Best of luck to you.