Latest news with #dopamine
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
People Are Sharing The Modern Addictions Nobody Really Thinks About, And Yes, Dopamine Is On This List
When we think of addiction, our minds typically go to substances like drugs or alcohol. But addiction can take many forms — some so subtle and normalized that we don't even recognize them as problematic. So when a now-deleted Reddit user asked, "What's an addiction that nobody considers?" the responses revealed how our modern world has created countless ways to chase dopamine hits and develop unhealthy dependencies. Here's what they had to say: 1."Validation addiction, aka the compulsive need for approval, praise, or recognition from others." —u/RevealIntelligent737 2."Nasal spray. This one is kind of obscure, but the thought of having a stuffy nose and needing more and more and more of that stuff is kind of scary." —u/TazzzTM "I literally cut myself off 10 years ago because it was causing me problems." —bobbutson "This happened to me in fifth grade! It was so severe that I needed to use it at least once an hour, or my nose was completely blocked up. The addiction lasted weeks. I would bring it to school and sneak huffs of it from my backpack during class, pretending I was rummaging for something." —u/iamnotahermitcrab 3."Habits that put us into the same patterns we're already familiar with. For example, let's say someone was previously abused and has low self-esteem, so they now gravitate toward people who mistreat them, etc." —u/crypticcryptidscrypt 4."Food." —u/LivingSalt9816 "This doesn't get talked about enough. Someone can truly quit any of these other addictions. You cannot quit eating. And even if we could, eating is the center of most cultures, communities, and fellowship." —u/GingerrGina 5."Shopping." —u/blissfulheadgames 6."Victim mindset." —u/tokenasian99 Related: 23 Cute, Happy, And Wholesome Posts I Saw On The Internet This Week That You Absolutely Need To See 7."Gambling is often overlooked. It's also not just lotto tickets and bingo. Casino apps, sports betting, online gaming 'mystery boxes,' and day trading are just a few examples of things that use the same mechanics." —u/threadbarefemur 8."Dieting, eating disorders and/or disordered eating, and counting calories." —u/Global_Concept1331 9."Social media." —u/Goddess_alma__ "It's a bigger issue than that. Social media falls under dopamine abuse, basically. It's just a constant onslaught of the pleasure ventures in the brain these days. Companies research ways to hit those centers and use the marketing to sell it. Small things like the action of swiping or flavors in food. Salt. Porn. Video games. Social media. YouTube showing you all the things you want but can't go for. All of these things are beneficial targeted one at a time, but goddamn, it fries people's brains all at once." —u/Klashus Related: Holy Crap, I Can't Stop Laughing At These 28 Painfully Awkward And Embarrassing Conversations 10."Working all the time." —u/MotherEarth1919 11."Dermatillomania, or skin-picking disorder." —u/strangekey2 12."Dating apps. They're like a game, and the incentive for winning is your orgasm." —u/Present-Loss5880 13."Porn." —u/PEACH_MINAJ 14."Sleeping in all the time." —u/Tough_Representative "Sleeping in general. I genuinely can't stop napping during the day. It's awful." —u/lights-camera-bees 15."Weed. While it's not an addictive substance, people definitely become emotionally dependent. One problem is that weed makes you okay with being unproductive and bored, and many people use it as a crutch." —u/8v9 16."Phones." —u/Then_Coyote_1244 "That's me — same with my iPad. When I iron my clothes, I put on YouTube on my iPad. Eating dinner? Netflix. Drinking a cup of tea? TikTok. Waiting on the bus? Reddit. My phone is always in my hand. I take it with me when I go to bed, when I take a shower, when I walk the dog, when I have to get something from the attic, etc. I miss growing up in the '90s and not having a phone — just being present in the moment. But somehow, I can't do it anymore." —u/Dazzling-Yam-1151 What do you think after reading these responses? Are you recognizing some (completely normalized) patterns in your own life or others? What hidden addictions do you think are affecting people today? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. The National Alliance on Mental Illness helpline is 1-800-950-6264 (NAMI) and provides information and referral services; is an association of mental health professionals from more than 25 countries who support efforts to reduce harm in therapy. The National Eating Disorders Association helpline is 1-800-931-2237; for 24/7 crisis support, text 'NEDA' to 741741. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger as a result of domestic violence, call 911. For anonymous, confidential help, you can call the 24/7 National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE) or chat with an advocate via the website. Also in Internet Finds: Lawyers Are Sharing Their Juiciest "Can You Believe It?!" Stories From The Courtroom, And They're As Surprising As You'd Expect Also in Internet Finds: 51 People Who Quickly Discovered Why Their Hilariously Clueless Partner Was Single Before Meeting Them Also in Internet Finds: People Are Sharing "The Most Believable Conspiracy Theories," And Now I'm Questioning Everything I Thought I Knew
Daily Mail
10-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
How to flatten your belly FAST: The 60-second shower trick that can shred fat from your stomach
What if I told you there's a 60-second ritual that can help flatten your belly, boost your mood, and rewire your brain for resilience - all before you've had your first sip of coffee? No, it's not a superfood smoothie or a $500 gadget. It's sitting right there in your bathroom. It's your shower. More specifically, the cold tap. This simple yet powerful biohack - known as cold water therapy - is one of my absolute favourites. It's free, accessible, and surprisingly effective. I talk about it in my new book Biohack Me, where I break down how we can reset our nervous system, upgrade our biology, and reverse chronic symptoms with small, intentional changes. And trust me, I've lived it. After years battling burnout, postnatal depression, and eventually a full-blown health crisis caused by toxic mould exposure, I discovered the power of cold exposure for my mental and physical health. Cold showers became a cornerstone of my recovery - and now a daily ritual I wouldn't skip for the world. Why it works (and what the science says) Cold exposure has been used for centuries to promote healing and resilience, and modern research is finally catching up. It's been shown to: - Activate brown fat, which helps burn calories and regulate body temperature - Reduce inflammation (a major contributor to ageing and chronic disease) - Trigger a 250 per cent spike in dopamine - the feel-good, focus-enhancing brain chemical - Lower cortisol, your stress hormone, and promote a calm, steady mood - Boost immunity by stimulating your lymphatic system In short, cold water gives your system a jolt in the best possible way. It wakes you up, both mentally and metabolically. It also trains your nervous system to tolerate stress better. That's why it's so powerful for people dealing with anxiety or burnout. It teaches your body how to recover fast and stay regulated. Take the cold shower challenge Now, before you panic and start picturing ice baths à la Wim Hof, let me make this clear: you don't have to go full polar bear to reap the benefits. I recommend starting with what I call the cold shower challenge - a gentle, no-BS intro for everyday people who want to feel better, fast. Here's how to do it: Start slow – At the end of your regular warm shower, switch the water to cold for just 30 seconds. Focus on deep breathing. You'll gasp and maybe scream a bit. Totally normal. Level up – After three to five days, extend to 60 seconds. You'll be surprised how quickly your body adapts. Go fully in (if you're game) – Eventually, try a full cold shower from start to finish. Morning is ideal, it'll leave you buzzing with energy. Bonus tip: Pair it with early sunlight exposure for a natural cortisol rhythm boost and enhanced mood throughout the day. That's the kind of biohacking stack I love - simple, powerful, and totally free. A biohack for your body and your mind Beyond the waistline wins and dopamine rush, there's something deeper at play with cold exposure. It's about choosing discomfort in a world obsessed with convenience. When you step into cold water on purpose, you're signalling to your body and brain 'I'm in control'. That mindset shift - of facing discomfort head-on - spills into other areas of your life. You show up differently. Stronger. Calmer. More grounded. So, if you're looking for a no-fuss, high-impact way to boost your health, start here. One cold minute. Every day. That's it. You don't need to overhaul your life overnight. You don't need a six-week plan or a pantry full of powders. You need a bit of grit. A willingness to get uncomfortable. And a commitment to show up for yourself - even just for 60 seconds. I dare you to take the cold shower challenge this week. You'll thank me later (once your goosebumps settle).
Medscape
30-05-2025
- General
- Medscape
Autism Linked to Fourfold Increase in Parkinson's Disease
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is linked to a fourfold increased risk for early-onset Parkinson's disease (PD), results from the largest, population-based cohort study of its kind to date showed. The findings indicated 'that there can be shared biological drivers behind ASD and Parkinson's disease,' study investigator, Weiyao Yin, MD, PhD, of the Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm, Sweden, said in a release. 'One hypothesis is that the brain's dopamine system is affected in both cases, since the neurotransmitter dopamine plays an important part in social behavior and motion control,' Yin added. The study was published online on May 27 in JAMA Neurology . A Plausible Link Recent research pointed to a plausible biological link between ASD and PD. However, large, longitudinal studies investigating the risk for PD following an ASD diagnosis are scarce, the researchers noted. 'Our study is the first population-based study, to our knowledge, using prospectively collected data, longitudinal design, and life-course approach to strengthen the inference,' they wrote. To investigate they used national registry data from more than 2 million individuals born in Sweden between 1974 and 1999 and followed them from age 20 years up to the end of 2022. The median age at study exit was 34 years. Within this cohort, they identified 51,954 individuals with ASD and 2,226,611 individuals without the disorder. PD, defined as a first-ever diagnosis of PD or other idiopathic or degenerative parkinsonian disorders, was identified in 438 individuals without ASD (0.02%; 1.3 cases per 100,000 person-years) and in 24 individuals with ASD (0.05%; 3.9 cases per 100,000 person-years), corresponding to a relative risk (RR) of 4.43. Depression and antidepressant use were present in 46.7% of individuals with ASD, and antipsychotic use, which can cause Parkinson-like symptoms, was present in 31.5%. Adjusting for depression and antipsychotic use reduced but did not eliminate the association between ASD and PD risk (RR, 3.10 and RR, 2.00, respectively). Independent of ASD diagnosis, a history of depression and exposure to antipsychotics were linked to a significantly higher risk for PD (RR, 2.01 and RR, 6.34, respectively). Preterm or early-term birth is a known risk factor for ASD, prompting an examination of its potential association with PD. However, no increased risk for PD was found compared with individuals born at full term. After adjusting for sex, socioeconomic status, and parental mental illness or PD, the investigators found ASD remained consistently associated with an increased risk for PD. There are potential biological explanations for the link, Yin told Medscape Medical News . 'One hypothesis suggests that the brain's dopamine system is impacted in both conditions, as the neurotransmitter dopamine plays a crucial role in social behavior and motor control,' Yin said. There may be a genetic correlation between the two conditions, she added noting that the PARK2 gene may be associated between ASD and early-onset PD. 'ASD is a lifelong condition, and more children with autism now progress into middle and older adulthood. Healthcare services need to provide long-term monitoring for individuals with ASD — a vulnerable group with high comorbidity and a high use of psychotropic medications,' Yin said. Experts Weigh In The study is clinically relevant 'mainly because it shows that neurodevelopmental conditions, like ASD, may be associated with clinical signs and diagnoses that may manifest at different ages, and we as clinicians should be aware of that,' Christos Ganos, MD, a neurologist at the Movement Disorders Clinic, Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, who was not involved with the study, told Medscape Medical News . 'Although neurodevelopmental disorders are diagnosed early in life, there is a need to assess for neurological symptoms and signs also later in life, including to monitor the effects of prescribed medications on neuromotor control,' added Ganos, who is the wolf chair in neurodevelopmental psychiatry, and associate professor of neurology at the University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. However, he urged caution in linking the specific diagnoses of ASD and PD, as there is a more general link between neurodevelopmental disorders and motor dysfunction. 'Neurodevelopmental disorders are very heterogeneous, and the 'ASD' diagnosis encompasses a lot of different disorders and etiologies. Some of these diagnoses/conditions are linked to motor syndromes that are specifically associated with motor slowing but are not PD, although they could resemble some of its features,' he explained. Strengths of the study include its large sample size and statistical power to provide estimates 'with more meaningful precision than prior studies,' said Connie Marras, MD, PhD, a movement disorders specialist, and professor of neurology at the University of Toronto. However, she noted that investigators did not include smoking in the models, which 'may result in an overestimation of the association between ASD and PD,' she added. 'Smoking is less common among individuals with ASD and may constitute a confounder. Smoking is also less common in individuals with Parkinson's disease and is considered a protective factor against PD.' She also questioned whether the results really have clinical implications for monitoring the emergence of parkinsonism in this population. 'Early detection does not have treatment implications currently, particularly since at present we don't have therapies for PD prevention or slowing of progression. Once we do have such treatments, then monitoring would be justified,' she said. However, the finding 'could have significant clinical and policy-related implications as these individuals age,' Gregory Wallace, PhD, an autism expert and associate professor of speech, language, and hearing sciences at The George Washington University, Washington, DC, who was not part of the study, told Medscape Medical News. 'Given increased rates of autism diagnoses in younger cohorts, if autistic people are at increased risk for developing parkinsonism as they age, the healthcare system and clinicians who provide care for autistic adults need to be prepared,' said Wallace. Wallace recently published research showing that co-occurring parkinsonism in adults with autism is linked with lower subjective quality of life, more memory problems, lower sleep quality, and greater depression symptoms.
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Expert Shares the Amount of Screen Time Within 'Healthy' Limits
Screen time is a big concern for parents. How much is too much? Is it harming our kids? Is it harming us? Because as we all know, parents are just as guilty of spending too much time online. Is it destroying the family dynamic and our relationships? Neuroscientist and author of The DOSE Effect (which is all about balancing your brain chemistry), TJ Power spoke to HuffPost about the concern over screen time. He shared that "screens overload the brain with dopamine and over time, that dulls our motivation, attention, and even our sense of joy.' Related: We know this. How often do we as adults spend what we think is 10 minutes scrolling cat videos on social media only to realize that it's been over an hour and past the time we were supposed to start cooking dinner. It's a time suck. A mindless, sometimes needed, yet oftentimes not, activity so many of us are guilty in partaking in. And we worry about our kids, too. We wonder what they are being exposed to and how long they've been aimlessly scrolling TikTok. With this in mind, it's fascinating to learn the max screen time neuroscientist Power felt was okay for the human brain. How much time does he spend online? Power said, "I personally aim for a maximum of three hours a day, and I stick to it pretty religiously." Three hours. I think a lot of us feel shame right now. But he shares more. 'The key isn't just how much screen time you have,' he adds. 'It's when and why you are using it. If the screen is draining your energy, stealing your attention, or replacing real connection, something needs to shift.' Okay. So some of the screen time isn't all terrible. There are learning apps, news articles, and yes, the cat videos aren't all garbage — some are fun and give you a chuckle and you send them to friends who send a laugh emoji back and maybe that counts for connectivity. Related: We still should monitor ourselves and we need to be aware about how much screen time our kids get. Overuse can affect their focus and social skills, and do a number on their self esteem. For all of us, no matter our age, too much time online can make you lose interest in things in the real world and make you lonely. "We are more connected than ever, but less socially fulfilled,' Power shared. 'Screens can create the illusion of connection without the chemistry of it.' The key is not only to pay attention to how many hours you or your kids are online, but to look at overall activity (or inactivity) in the real world. Healthy sleep patterns, being well rested, socializing, and being able to feel relaxed and present are important things to look at for yourself and your kids. If there are issues in those areas, too much screen time may be the culprit. Up Next:Expert Shares the Amount of Screen Time Within 'Healthy' Limits first appeared on WeHaveKids on May 26, 2025
Entrepreneur
23-05-2025
- Entrepreneur
Why Gamification Is the Secret Weapon for Modern Brand Engagement
Gamification turns everyday brand interactions into addictive experiences by tapping into human psychology, but it must be used responsibly. Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own. In an era of dwindling attention spans and relentless digital noise, brands face an uphill battle to capture — and keep — consumer interest. Traditional advertising no longer cuts it; passive engagement is out, and interactive, reward-driven experiences are in. Enter gamification, the strategic use of game-like elements in non-game contexts to drive participation, loyalty and habit formation. At its core, gamification taps into fundamental human psychology — our innate desire for achievement, competition and instant gratification. By leveraging challenges, points, leaderboards and rewards, brands are turning mundane interactions into compelling experiences that keep users coming back. But how exactly does gamification work on the brain, and why is it so effective at deepening brand engagement? The neuroscience of gamification The secret lies in dopamine, the neurotransmitter responsible for motivation, pleasure and reinforcement learning. Every time we achieve a goal — whether completing a level in a game or unlocking a discount — our brain releases dopamine, creating a sense of accomplishment and urging us to repeat the behavior. Gamification exploits this loop by: Providing Clear Goals – Whether it's earning points, unlocking badges, or climbing a leaderboard, structured objectives give users a sense of direction. – Whether it's earning points, unlocking badges, or climbing a leaderboard, structured objectives give users a sense of direction. Offering Instant Feedback – Progress bars, notifications and celebratory animations reinforce effort, keeping users engaged. – Progress bars, notifications and celebratory animations reinforce effort, keeping users engaged. Creating Variable Rewards – Like a slot machine, unpredictable rewards (discounts, exclusive content) trigger compulsive engagement. – Like a slot machine, unpredictable rewards (discounts, exclusive content) trigger compulsive engagement. Fostering Social Competition – Leaderboards and social sharing tap into our drive for status and recognition. When executed well, these mechanics don't just encourage one-time interactions — they cultivate habit loops, where users return without conscious thought, much like checking social media or playing mobile games. Related: Gamification Is Eating The World The role of operant conditioning Gamification is deeply rooted in B.F. Skinner's operant conditioning, which explains how rewards and punishments shape behavior. Brands use: Positive Reinforcement (e.g., Starbucks rewarding stars for purchases) Negative Reinforcement (e.g., Duolingo's streak penalties) Intermittent Rewards (e.g., McDonald's Monopoly's randomized prizes) This conditioning keeps users engaged longer than predictable rewards, as the brain remains in a state of anticipation. From retail giants to fitness apps, companies are integrating gamified elements to boost retention, increase conversions and turn casual users into loyal advocates. Here's how: 1. Starbucks: Loyalty as a game Starbucks' rewards program is a masterclass in gamified retention. Users earn "stars" for purchases, unlock tiers (Green, Gold) and receive personalized challenges ("Buy three lattes this week for bonus stars"). The tiered system leverages loss aversion — once users reach Gold status, they're incentivized to keep spending to maintain perks. The result? Starbucks boasts over 32 million active rewards members in the U.S. alone. Key Takeaway: Tiered rewards create aspirational goals. Personalized challenges increase purchase frequency. 2. Duolingo: Making learning addictive Language-learning app Duolingo thrives on gamification. Streaks punish missed days, XP points quantify progress and animated celebrations reward consistency. The app even uses light punishment mechanics (a broken streak) to guilt users into returning. This approach has helped Duolingo amass over 74 million monthly active users, proving that even education can be habit-forming. Key Takeaway: Loss aversion (streaks) drives daily engagement. Micro-rewards (XP, badges) make progress tangible. 3. Nike: Turning fitness into a competition Nike's Run Club and Training Club apps use challenges, leaderboards and milestone badges to transform exercise into a social game. By allowing users to compete with friends and share achievements, Nike taps into social validation, a powerful motivator. The result? Increased app engagement translates directly to brand loyalty and product sales. Key Takeaway: Social competition enhances motivation. Milestone rewards (badges, trophies) reinforce commitment. 4. McDonald's Monopoly: Scarcity and instant wins McDonald's long-running Monopoly campaign blends instant rewards (free fries) with long-term goals (winning big prizes). The limited-time nature of the game creates urgency, while the tactile act of peeling stickers delivers instant gratification. The campaign has become a cultural phenomenon, driving repeat visits and boosting sales. Key Takeaway: Instant + delayed rewards maximize engagement. Scarcity tactics (limited-time offers) drive urgency. 5. LinkedIn: The subtle gamification of professional networking Even professional platforms use gamification. LinkedIn's profile completion meter nudges users to add more details, while endorsements and "Top Voice" badges incentivize activity. The platform's "Who's Viewed Your Profile" feature plays on curiosity and status-seeking behavior. Key Takeaway: Progress tracking encourages profile optimization. Social proof (endorsements) increases engagement. The dark side of gamification While gamification can deepen engagement, it's not without ethical concerns. When overused, these techniques can foster compulsive behaviors, particularly in vulnerable users. One major issue is the loot box controversy. Video games like FIFA Ultimate Team and Overwatch have faced backlash for loot boxes, which function like gambling by offering randomized rewards. Some countries have banned them, arguing they exploit psychological vulnerabilities. Another concern is how social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok use infinite scroll and variable rewards (likes, comments) to keep users hooked. Studies link excessive use to anxiety and decreased attention spans. This raises questions about responsibility in gamified marketing. Brands must balance motivation with ethics. Best practices include transparency (clear reward odds, no deceptive mechanics), user control (opt-out options, time limits) and avoiding exploitative designs such as dark patterns. Related: 7 Ways to Boost Customer Retention Through Email Gamification The future of gamified branding As AI and AR evolve, gamification will become even more immersive. Emerging trends include AI-powered personalization, where platforms like Netflix — already using algorithms to recommend content — could introduce dynamic challenges (e.g., "Watch three sci-fi movies this week for a badge") and adaptive rewards such as personalized discounts based on user behavior. Augmented reality scavenger hunts are also on the rise. Brands like Pokémon GO's sponsors (Starbucks, Sprint) have successfully driven foot traffic using AR. Future applications might feature virtual pop-up shops where users scan QR codes to unlock deals or interactive billboards that offer coupons through mini-games. Blockchain and tokenized rewards are reshaping loyalty programs. These could include NFT-based rewards like exclusive digital collectibles and tokenized points that are tradeable on crypto exchanges. Finally, the metaverse is paving the way for persistent brand worlds. As virtual environments expand, brands may create permanent branded spaces — such as Nike's Nikeland in Roblox — or host virtual events with XP systems where users can earn VIP status by attending multiple events. Play to win Gamification isn't just about points and badges; it's about hacking human motivation. By understanding dopamine-driven feedback loops, brands can craft experiences that don't just capture attention — they own it. The lesson is clear: in the battle for consumer mindshare, the most successful brands won't just sell products — they'll design play. Yet, with great power comes responsibility. As gamification grows more sophisticated, brands must prioritize ethical design, ensuring experiences enrich rather than exploit. The future belongs to those who can balance engagement with empathy, turning users into loyal advocates, not addicts. The question is, are you playing the game — or is the game playing you?
