Drugification

The concept of "drugification" refers to how modern society has transformed various aspects of daily life into addictive experiences similar to drug use. Dr. Anna Lembke, a Chief Psychiatrist at Stanford University, highlights how advancements in science, technology, and innovation have enabled this phenomenon. She explains that virtually every human behavior can now be "drugified," resulting in an overload of dopamine in our brains. This overload leads to a state where we are more anxious, depressed, and less able to derive joy from everyday activities, contributing to rising rates of mental health issues 1 2.

Max Fisher, an international reporter, draws parallels between social media and addictive drugs. He argues that social media operates like a drug by not only addicting users but also altering their behavior and thought processes. This hidden impact makes it difficult for individuals to distinguish between their genuine emotions and those influenced by social media, exacerbating the effects of this pervasive "drug" on our daily lives 3.

These insights indicate that modern conveniences and digital interactions have a profound impact on our mental health by constantly stimulating our dopamine pathways, pushing us towards compulsive overconsumption and altering our physiological balance.