Tags
Blogging, culture, Pleasure, Science, Social Media, The Atlantic
Recently I wrote about blogging as virtual “love-making,” riffing on the new science which defines love as a “micro-moment of positivity resonance.”
But there’s more to it than that, it now appears. According to an article in The Atlantic, “The Selfish Meme – Twitter, dopamine, and the evolutionary advantages of talking about oneself” by Frank Rose:
“Researchers have previously shown that certain online activities—such as checking your e-mail or Twitter stream—stimulate the brain’s reward system. Like playing a slot machine, engaging in these activities sends the animal brain into a frenzy as it anticipates a possible reward: often nothing, but sometimes a small prize, and occasionally an enormous jackpot.”
Apparently this behavior of constant searching taps into a primal food-hunting drive and the reward we feel when the sought-after food is actually found—it’s matter of survival.
But even more interesting is the discovery that sharing information about ourselves as commonly done on Facebook and on blogs can be even more pleasurable. It can, in fact, give the neurochemical equivalent of an orgasm, according to an article on the Web site for the Today show “Oversharing on Facebook as Satisfying as Sex?”.
So beyond the reward of the hunt, it seems, is the deeper pleasure of sharing what we have (our catch, ourselves) with others.
In that case, blogging may be a new form of “breaking bread.”
We’ve all experienced the pleasure sharing a meal we’ve created with people we care about, and we know how this stimulates conversations in which we share our thoughts and stories.
In a sense, when we blog, we’re inviting others to our “table,” and sharing the best of what we have to offer that day—our thoughts, insights, images, poetry, memories. We’re feeding each other and inviting responses. And, while things we find on other sites may create those deep resonating connections we call “micro-moments of love,” the deepest pleasure comes from our own offerings–sharing ourselves with others. Giving more than receiving.
It all makes sense. Blogging, after all, is about creating community. Creating bonds of interest, of mutual satisfaction, mutual admiration.
It’s all about connecting. Hooking up. Taking risks. Being vulnerable and open.
Blogging may not be “orgasmic,” but if you think about it, it’s pretty darn sexy.
valeriedavies said:
So this is why it’s so satisfying… even addictive…and it always feels better when there’s some research into it too – feels more respectable and acceptable!!!
deborahbrasket said:
Yes, I think it’s so interesting, how the mind works, what makes Social Media–especially blogging–so fun and popular.
Africa far and wide said:
Aaaah, it all makes sense now! No wonder my husband is getting jealous of my time on blog sites! Great writing, food for thought!
deborahbrasket said:
It does explain a lot! Thanks so much for stopping by.
Katie Checkley said:
Fascinating stuff. I believe it completely. It’s funny how our evolutionary urges have adapted themselves to blogging, Twitter, and Facebook. I know I get the kind of thrill you’re speaking about when I Tweet or blog, etc. The notion of getting responses really does trigger an intense happiness somewhere in my brain. Hey, I’m being honest, and apparently I’m not alone. I love the paintings you paired with this post. And your last line made me smile 🙂
deborahbrasket said:
I’m glad I made you smile. I agree, I find this stuff fascinating, and it does help explain why so many of us feel so disappointed if there’s nothing in our inbox or no new “likes” on our blogs. Apparently we’re hungry, and no rabbit in our snare! 🙂
Pride in Photos Photography said:
I so agree with this post…building community is addictive…who can have too many friends?!
deborahbrasket said:
You are so right!
Brenda said:
I did not go gently into the blogosphere to be honest. I read undiscovered authors had to have a blog – thus, I set one up. At first, I hated it. What was there to say, I am a fiction writer. One day, and quite by accident, I found my voice. I like the latitude if allows. It’s a place to play, but more than that, I’ve met some wonderful writers, and made a few friends. It’s confess I am remiss at social networking, but there is always book or story I am writing. I do my best!
deborahbrasket said:
My path to blogging was similar, something I thought I had to do as a writer. But then I found I had so much to say! A different kind of writing from my fiction. Like you, I found my ‘blogging” voice. Now I love it. The only problem is it takes me away from my “real” writing–the novels and stories I’m working on. So I limit myself to one blog a week, unless I reblog something. I’m so glad you stopped by to chat.
gabrielablandy said:
I really adore that analogy of blogging as baking bread – it makes sense to me, and why I enjoy it so much. Great ideas, Deborah.
deborahbrasket said:
Thank you Gabriel. I like that too–we’re preparing a “meal” to share with others when we blog.
stressingoutstudent said:
The social articles that you post and write about are so fascinating! I love your blog 😀
deborahbrasket said:
Thank you! That means a lot to me. So glad you stopped by.
rudyoldeschulte said:
Love this…Thank you….Rudy
rudyoldeschulte said:
Reblogged this on Free psychology.
websterweb said:
you are brave.
nothing is sexier than “i would like to know you better.”
tingles.
maha69 said:
Reblogged this on maha's place.
Jann @ AustinDetails.me said:
You’ve made a great analogy with sharing a meal that’s so positive. I often wish I could have a dinner party with many of the bloggers whose work I enjoy. Now if only the world’s non-bloggers could relate to the bloggers.
deborahbrasket said:
Thank you. I would enjoy that too.