I had to do this post because I was determined to find out why I was wasting time playing a stupid game on my phone and burning precious time! Apparently I am suffering from an addiction no different from sugar, drugs, porn etc. See there is a biochemical reason that we get hooked on these ridiculous games–they are engineered to suck us in and aren’t really any different from the WHEAT and SUGAR that activates our opioid receptors in our brain. Let’s just pray that Candy Crush isn’t my gateway drug to something more!!!!
1. The colors and graphics activate our brain’s reward system. Creating patterns of three and being rewarded with zings and popping sounds encourages us to keep playing
2. They create the opening rounds really easy and this triggers your brain to release mini-shots of dopamine (the feel good hormone).
3. Once we get sucked into craving dopamine –we start the anticipation of wondering if we can get to the next level. This stimulates our problem solving, memory and spatial recognition.
4. Here is where they get us—-we are desperate to get to the next level and actually consider paying 99 cents for extra lives. They also encourage us to continue on by allowing us to share lives with friends on social media.
The real point is that we all have addictions that aren’t really our fault. These games, foods, drinks, and practices are all based on activating our “feel good” hormones in our brains. That being said, I am working on focusing on finding ways to calm my mind with a more productive passion. Exercise, Diet, Meditation, Love, Compassion—all can produce the same effects—Baby Steps!