Dopamine
why is my phone so addictive
Dopamine is a neurotransmitter of anticipation rather than pleasure. It rises before a reward, not during it, which is why the pursuit of a thing can feel more compelling than having it, and why unpredictable rewards are the most habit-forming.
What to do about it
Notice which loops you chase but do not enjoy. Those are anticipation, not liking.
Books that work on this
Each is a 90-day programme. Start with the first — later books assume the work in the earlier ones.
The Discipline Blueprint$6.99
Discipline Over Motivation$6.99
The Iron Routine$6.99
Crushing Soft Habits$6.99
The 5AM Tax$6.99
Standards Beat Goals$6.99
Show Up Anyway$6.99
Drag The Wand$6.99Part of the Discipline series.
How people say it
Nobody looks this up by its clinical name. These are the ways it actually gets said.
- dopamine detox
- why is my phone so addictive
- I chase things I do not even enjoy
- nothing feels good anymore
- scrolling for hours and feeling worse
- why does the wanting feel bigger than the having
- I get bored the second I get it
- addicted to the chase
Written by Brian Spiker, who has run Spiker Carpet and Tile Care since 2013 — the receipts. More terms in the encyclopedia.