Posted on 12/12/2005 2:19:50 PM PST by Ben Mugged
The feeling will be familiar to millions at this time of year: a surge of excitement as they find that must-have item in the shops, followed by a sickening sense of let-down shortly afterwards.
It may be some relief to discover that scientists know why it happens and can now provide some pointers to avoiding it.
The feeling is caused by the release of a specific chemical in the brain, studies have found.
Dopamine, a chemical associated with pleasure, is released in waves as shoppers first see a product and then consider buying it.
But the research shows that it is the anticipation rather than the buying itself that discharges the chemical and drives the process.
The effect of the naturally produced chemical lasts only a short time and can leave the shopper feeling let down when brain chemistry returns to normal.
Gregory Berns, a neuroscientist at Emory University in the US state of Georgia, and author of Satisfaction: the Science of Finding True Fulfilment, said yesterday: "Dopamine is all about the hunt and the anticipation. It is released as you conjure up in your mind the thought of this purchase and anticipate how it will look and how you will use it."
In laboratory experiments, scientists found that the chemical rose sharply in rats' brains when they explored new sections in their cages - seen as comparable to finding a new store.
~snip~ As a shopper makes a purchase, levels of dopamine flowing between nerve cells in the brain increase significantly. But once the product has been bought, the chemical balance returns to normal very sharply.
The result is often a feeling of regret - known as "buyer's remorse" in the retail world - soon after experiencing a shopping high.
(Excerpt) Read more at telegraph.co.uk ...
"how not to fall victim"
Easy - don't buy into the disgusting materialism that permeates American culture, esp. during the insidious "holiday season".
Tell yourself: "I don't need more plastic crap from Wal Mart"
I agree. We seem to have lost focus on what Christmas is all about. Know any way to get it back?
I just shop all year, when I see something that fits someone on the gift list I buy it. It allows you to enjoy the season without being rushed into that "last minute" panic, which is more depressing than fun.
the thrill of the chase. Hunter's instinct.
There is a reason why Dopamine is called Dopamine..
My way is a start. Then you have more time to plan spending time and visiting those you need to visit, planning a dinner if your having one, and Christmas eve mass instead of last minute shopping.
Fortunately for Mr. G the shopping gene skipped me. I hate to shop, no matter what time of year, no matter for what.
I for one have been encouraging my friends and family to create handmade gifts, from wooden crechs to pleasant kitchen decorations and even embroidered pillows. Nothing says personal like a hand sewn throw pillow with a psalm.
I'm tired of the liberal media foisting their version of materialistic desires on the masses. Its just too much anymore. In fact, we try to watch as little TV as possible during the holiday season.
On this topic, has anyone heard about the newest battle against secularism in the form of the "Christmas Protection Act"? I heard about it on a radio show this morning, and some friends have mentioned it, yet I am unable to find out the specifics of an author or timeline for the bill to go through.
"On this topic, has anyone heard about the newest battle against secularism in the form of the "Christmas Protection Act"?"
A joke?
"On this topic, has anyone heard about the newest battle against secularism in the form of the "Christmas Protection Act"?"
A joke?
Brit article, but shopping is the American way!
Macy's vs. Gimbels!
I wish I knew if it was a joke. The two people that mentioned it to me felt that it was legit, but nothing has shown up so far.
There's also a reason it is easily observed in RATS.
I heard something about a Christmas PRESERVATION Act.
The Christmas-bashing has really gotten out of hand with the left, I have to say. I don't remember it being like this when I was a kid. When did the left get so touchy?
They are getting touchy because they know they are losing the battle for the American soul.
I seriously think that if we made an issue of preserving Christmas that would really resonate with a lot of voters.
Well, getting divorced and moving from a 2100 square foot house to a 1 bedroom apartment answered that problem for me- now the question "where the heck am I going to put that?" usually solves the shopping impulse for me LOL.
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