The Changing Face of Addiction in the Digital Age

💡Substance addictions and behavioral addictions have similar patterns in brain scans, indicating the changing face of addiction.

💭Limbic capitalism seeks to appeal to our release of dopamine, using cues and hooks to draw us in and keep us addicted.

🌍We live in an age of abundance and excess, where the pursuit of pleasure has transformed into an addiction epidemic.

🧠Our brains are wired for compulsion and the constant pursuit of dopamine, which leads to tolerance, withdrawal, and unbalanced lives.

🔒Limbic capitalism targets the most vulnerable among us, exploiting psychological needs and genetic predispositions, resulting in widespread addiction.

What is limbic capitalism?

—Limbic capitalism is a technologically advanced way of doing business that encourages excessive compulsion and addiction, targeting our deepest evolutionary desires.

What role does dopamine play in addiction?

—Dopamine is the reward neurotransmitter that is released when we engage in addictive behaviors. It reinforces the behavior and drives us to seek more of it.

How do cues and hooks contribute to addiction?

—Cues and hooks, such as notifications and headlines, create anticipation and expectation of rewards, triggering the release of dopamine and leading to addictive behaviors.

Why are behavioral addictions becoming more prevalent?

—In the age of abundance and excess, behavioral addictions like social media and gaming are on the rise due to easy access, potent stimuli, and the appeal to our innate desires.

Who is most susceptible to addiction?

—The most vulnerable among us, including those with psychological needs, genetic predispositions, and socioeconomic disadvantages, are more likely to develop addictions.

00:00Addiction is no longer limited to substances but also includes behavioral addictions like social media and gaming.

06:10Limbic capitalism is a technologically advanced way of doing business that encourages excessive compulsion and addiction.

12:05Cues and hooks, such as notifications and headlines, trigger the release of dopamine and contribute to addiction.

14:30Behavioral addictions are becoming more prevalent due to easy access, potent stimuli, and the appeal to our innate desires.

16:40The most vulnerable among us are more susceptible to addiction, including those with psychological needs, genetic predispositions, and socioeconomic disadvantages.