Dopamine isn't inherently bad, but we need to be careful in choosing healthy activities that aren't destructive to our lives when it comes to dopamine release.

Talking Points:

  • Dopamine is a natural chemical in your brain. It enhances performance and pleasure.
  • People can stimulate dopamine release chemically (illicit drugs, coffee) or by repeating habitual behaviors (social media, video games) or seeking sexual satisfaction (sex, pornography).
  • Addictions to substances, social media, and porn come down to people trying to change their states of consciousness to a “high” using dopamine – whether they realize it or not. This is the true “danger of dopamine.”
Discussion:
  1. Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
  2. What do you think is the natural function of a chemical like dopamine – why do our brains produce it? Explain.
  3. Why is it so important for parents to be aware of how their kids are spending time on social media?
  4. Why do people want to change their states of consciousness? How does this relate to various forms of addiction?
  5. What are some productive ways to release dopamine? What are the activities you need to be cautious in pursuing that you’ve perhaps enjoyed in the past?
  6. Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?