Digital Dopamine
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Yes, it is a real term people use in 2024.
Yes, it is related to digital wellness, digital addictions, etc.[1][4][5]
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Nov 12, 2024 09:56 PM
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Home → Digital Wellness Glossary → Digital Dopamine
Digital Dopamine
[dij-i-tuhl doh-puh-meen]
What Is Digital Dopamine?
Digital dopamine refers to the reward-driven behavior pattern triggered by digital activities like receiving likes, notifications, or achieving in-game rewards, causing repeated engagement with digital platforms for quick hits of pleasure.
Word Origins:
The term combines "digital" (relating to computer technology) with "dopamine" (a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward). The concept gained popularity in the mid-2010s as researchers and wellness experts began exploring the relationship between digital technology use and brain chemistry.
How Digital Dopamine Works
Digital platforms are specifically designed to trigger dopamine releases through variable reward schedules. These can include:
- Social media likes and comments
- Email notifications
- Gaming achievements
- Content recommendations
- Push notifications
Managing Digital Dopamine Levels
Healthy ways to regulate digital dopamine include:
- Setting specific times to check notifications
- Turning off non-essential alerts
- Taking regular digital breaks
- Finding alternative sources of reward and pleasure in offline activities
- Using app limits and focus modes
Related Terms
- Dopamine Fasting: Intentionally avoiding digital stimuli to reset reward sensitivity
- Screen Addiction: Compulsive use of digital devices and platforms
- Like-Seeking Behavior: The compulsive need for social media validation
- Social Media Dopamine Loop: The cycle of seeking and receiving social media rewards