Why is impulsive behavior increasing in the new generation? The dopamine effect of digital culture under the microscope

Difficulties in impulse control observed among children and young people worldwide are on the agenda of experts. Prof. Dr. Kemal Sayar, President of the Turkish Association for Psychopharmacology, states that individuals in the digital age pursue pleasure more easily, and that dopamine addiction lies at the root of this. Sayar underlines that computer games and instant screen notifications trap the brain in a cycle of short-term satisfaction.

Speaking within the scope of the 17th International Congress of Psychopharmacology and Child-Adolescent Psychopharmacology / Psychotherapy held in Antalya, Prof. Dr. Sayar pointed out that anger management and the acquisition of empathy are essential in the educational life of today's youth. “Digital culture has practically made us dopamine addicts. Therefore, people are finding it increasingly difficult to restrain themselves. Being able to restrain oneself means being able to think long-term,” he stated.

According to Sayar, children and young people need core values to grow up healthily. Stating that “some virtues not acquired from the family must be gained in school or other educational environments,” Sayar pointed to the necessity of mastering social life skills and etiquette.

Another issue emphasized by the expert was, “Understanding the state of others, understanding someone else's situation is important. It is essential to know etiquette and to have basic life knowledge about how to behave in society. It is a necessity for families, teachers, institutions, and the educational community to pass on life skills lessons to young people.”

DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION AND THE SEARCH FOR PLEASURE

Expressing that young people are accustomed to receiving approval and rewards at every moment in today's world, where time is frequently spent on digital platforms as a requirement of the era, Prof. Dr. Sayar explains as follows:

“There is an increase in impulsivity worldwide. As generations pass, there is an increasingly easier tendency to quickly implement whatever comes to mind. This is related to us becoming a more pleasure-oriented society. Dopamine circuits work very fast. We prefer things that will lead us to quick pleasure. Computer games and the rapid approvals coming from the screen play a huge role in this. Digital culture has practically made us dopamine addicts. Therefore, people are finding it increasingly difficult to restrain themselves. Being able to restrain oneself means being able to think long-term and to delay short-term pleasure. As we become dopamine addicts, unfortunately, this is becoming increasingly difficult.”

Sayar also points out that the tendency toward violence is rising in young people with weakened impulse control, noting that the need for mental health services is steadily increasing.

It is observed that children and young people are more quickly dragged into negative behaviors in situations where communication and an environment of affection within the family are weak. Prof. Dr. Sayar shows the way to a solution with the words, “It is necessary to identify the problem on the spot and solve it at its source. It is necessary to raise young people with compassion, justice, mercy, and empathy, and to integrate them into society.”

Experts agree that in the face of the innovations brought by the digital age, children and young people, together with their families and teachers, need to relearn ethical values and self-control. The importance of offering love, empathy, and discipline together for peace in society and the raising of healthy individuals is becoming more apparent every day.

News Source: 12punto