Dopamine isn't inherently bad, but we need to be careful in choosing healthy activities that aren't destructive to our lives when it comes to dopamine release.
Talking Points:
- Dopamine is a natural chemical in your brain. It enhances performance and pleasure.
- People can stimulate dopamine release chemically (illicit drugs, coffee) or by repeating habitual behaviors (social media, video games) or seeking sexual satisfaction (sex, pornography).
- Addictions to substances, social media, and porn come down to people trying to change their states of consciousness to a “high” using dopamine – whether they realize it or not. This is the true “danger of dopamine.”
Discussion:
- Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- What do you think is the natural function of a chemical like dopamine – why do our brains produce it? Explain.
- Why is it so important for parents to be aware of how their kids are spending time on social media?
- Why do people want to change their states of consciousness? How does this relate to various forms of addiction?
- What are some productive ways to release dopamine? What are the activities you need to be cautious in pursuing that you’ve perhaps enjoyed in the past?
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
