Dopamine and donating: A biology lesson
- Fri, July 15 2011
- Filed under: Marketing essentials
Here on the blog, I’ve often discussed how giving makes us happy. I’ve cited many psychology studies. But this is a matter of biology too.
David Linden has a new book, The Compass of Pleasure, which provides insights into the pleasure center of our brain.
The book’s full title is The Compass of Pleasure: How Our Brains Make Fatty Foods, Orgasm, Exercise, Marijuana, Generosity, Vodka, Learning and Gambling Feel So Good. In an interview with Terry Gross of NPR’s Fresh Air, Linden explains how the pleasure center works. Certain activities trigger dopamine, making us feel good. We feel pleasure when we eat, drink and reproduce. Also when we do drugs, gamble, learn, exercise and ... yes, give to charity.
Linden explains how addiction works. It’s actually a problem caused by the brain’s inability to experience pleasure: Some people have genes that turn down the function of dopamine signaling within the pleasure circuit. Their weaker dopamine systems make them driven to overdo it. Linden told Gross, “In order to get to that same set point of pleasure that others would get to easily — maybe with two drinks at the bar and a laugh with friends — you need six drinks at the bar to get the same thing.”
So charity triggers the same part of the brain—and pleasure—as does nicotine? Could giving to charity be addictive?
Unfortunately, Linden says no. He doesn’t know of anyone who has become addicted to giving to charity, though it’s possible in theory.
Comments
well, if both nicotine and giving activate dopamine in the brain, seems like both could be addicting. But, I certainly haven’t met anyone yet addicted to charity. interesting post.
I wonder if people who give meditation classes could be persuaded to come to charities and ask volunteers to sit and meditate, and then be asked for a donation. The ensuing dopamine rush might have an effect. What do you think?
Mazarine
http://wildwomanfundraising.com
I wish fundraisers could remember giving feels good. Getting people in touch with its great effects in their lives is smart strategy.