We live in a digital era that supports and actively promotes instant gratification. Modern technology, fast information exchange, the fake world of social media, online shopping with delivery at speed of light gives us the illusion that we can achieve greater fulfilment and life satisfaction without much effort. This idea that we can have everything we want almost immediately is totally delusional. But for some reason, we try to convince ourselves that we can achieve what we want without working hard. Well, it’s far from the truth. Because as we all know real success is built on achievement, not on a purchase order. You cannot expect that you will find fulfilment in life if you prioritize instant gratification over long-term goals. It’s not going to happen.
The feeling of instant gratification is fleeting but incredibly powerful and extremely addictive. That’s why there are so many people seek instant gratification at any cost. Dopamine addiction makes them unable to resist the desire to experience pleasure or fulfilment without delay. As a result, they are focused on the short term highs of immediate pleasure instead of building long-term satisfaction which, consequently, leads to unhappiness.
However, we cannot forget that dopamine plays an essential role in executive functions, motor control, motivation, learning, pleasure, reward and reinforcement. So as you can see, the role of this “happy hormone” is extremely important and should not be underestimated. The problems begin when you get stimulated all the time and you develop a tolerance for the high-levels od dopamine. Then before you know it, you become addicted to activities that produce short-term pleasure. In consequence, you become unable to resist temptations and instead of working towards your long-term goals you keep seeking immediate gratification.