Chasing Dopamine - How Living in an Instant Gratification Society Affects our Mental Health

Smartphones have transformed the way we live, giving us instant access to news, trending restaurants, and - unfortunately - an endless cycle of social media addiction.

Social media platforms create feedback loops that trigger dopamine releases in our brains every time we receive likes and comments - reinforcing our engagement. We’ve all heard the term ‘dopamine,’ but what does it really do?

Dopamine is both a neurotransmitter and hormone that plays a key role in mood regulation and the brain’s reward system. It is released when we experience pleasurable stimuli, like receiving likes on our newest social media post. This reinforces behavior, creating a feedback loop - a self perpetuating cycle driven by our brain’s reward system. As a result, we find ourselves constantly checking our phones and refreshing our social feeds, craving that next dopamine hit.

We spend so much time on our phones that we begin to disconnect from real life interactions - either by skipping time with friends altogether or, even worse, by scrolling through our screens instead of being fully present when we’re together. Rather than enjoying each other’s company, we get lost in the digital world, missing out on genuine connection.

Now, we struggle with comparing our lives to the carefully curated, picture perfect worlds of celebrities and influencers. In an era of virtual connection, we ironically feel more disconnected than ever, fueling the loneliness epidemic. This issue is particularly acute among younger generations, with 73% of Gen-Z reporting feeling alone sometimes or always (Forbes article by Kian Bakhtiari).

Dopamine can be released in a number of ways, not just through screens. Taking time to discover what truly brings you peace and joy is a worthwhile endeavor - one that reminds you that there is more to life than the digital world. The world is vast and full of wonder, from the simple beauty of flowers blooming to the awe of traveling to new places and experiencing different cultures. Reconnecting with these moments can bring a deeper sense of fulfillment that any notification ever could.

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If you are struggling to find joy or feeling disconnected, therapy can provide the tools to improve your mood, build healthier habits, and foster deeper, more meaningful connections.