The Consequences of Cheap Dopamine

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Leader’s take note: the fastest growing sector in the cultural economy is distraction.

The emergence of incessant pings, constant notifications, ceaseless scrolling, and the allure of instant gratification is chipping away at your team's well-being. 

Last week we briefly touched on dopamine - the brain’s reward system messenger, but this issue is dedicated to this mission critical neurotransmitter. 

We’ll review how the monetization of this feel good chemical is leaving us deconditioned for resilience and unequipped to deal with daily life stressors.

Addiction Is The Goal

Distraction is just a checkpoint in route to the final destination - Addiction.

Everything from athletics to dating is being designed to lock us into an addictive cycle, where stimulus comes in intense short bursts and must be repeated.

From watching sports in high definition to gambling on every aspect of a sport in real time.

From meeting partners as social events to swiping right until you match.

Dopamine is being hijacked by modern trends, leading to a cascade of negative effects on mental, emotional, physical, and even spiritual health. 

Far-Reaching Consequences

Dopamine isn't just about feeling good. One of its primary functions is to fuel our motivation and learning by creating a cycle of reward anticipation and achievement. 

However, the constant drip of likes, comments, level ups, and boosts disrupts this natural cycle.

The unpredictable nature of “cheap dopamine” triggers blood chemistry surges similar to drugs, leading to more cravings, even if the satisfaction is fleeting. 

This cheap dopamine disrupts our ability to focus on long-term goals and maintain emotional agility..

The consequences are far-reaching. Research links cheap dopamine to increased anxiety, depression, and feelings of inadequacy. This can manifest in physical health issues like sleep disturbances and weakened immune response due to chronic stress.

Spiritually, the constant need for external validation and the fleeting highs of cheap dopamine can leave us feeling disconnected from our inner selves and a sense of purpose beyond the digital realm.

We could keep going, but you get the point. 

The key takeaway is at a certain point this vicious cycle leads us to a state of anhedonia - the complete absence of enjoyment in an experience supposedly pursued for pleasure.

Leading Through The Crisis

As leaders, fostering a culture that prioritizes deep work, mindfulness, and celebrating long-term accomplishments is crucial. 

By understanding dopamine's role in motivation, we can help our teams reclaim control of their reward system and cultivate holistic well-being. 

Here are a couple of evidence-based strategies to get started:

Schedule Deep Work blocks. Research by Cal Newport highlights the importance of uninterrupted focused work sessions. Encourage team members to block out specific times in their calendars for focused work, minimizing distractions like email notifications or social media apps.

Do a “Dopamine Fast”. Dr. Amy Lembke, author of Dopamine Nation often urges her patients to undergo a dopamine fast for a month. Lead by example by setting boundaries around your own technology use and prioritizing focused work, you’ll inspire your team to do the same.

Let's work together to create an environment that promotes long-term well-being and fosters flourishing leadership.