A “superstimulus” triggers a response that evolution gave us, but to a stronger degree than is likely to occur in nature. They exist because we humans purposely optimize our environments to create these responses.
We are surrounded by more superstimuli than most of us realize.
Examples of superstimuli:
• food: Cheetos / skittles / McDonalds
• goal achievement: video games
• visual arousal: porn
• pair bonding: romance novels
• affection: dogs
• cuteness: puppies & kittens
• stories: TV
• beauty: photoshopped models
• gossip: celebrity magazines
• social approval: Facebook
There is nothing wrong with superstimuli in moderation, but they tend to be addictive, and they can make it harder to enjoy the natural (non-super) versions of those things, which can harm our quality of life. Often times the superstimuli give just *part* of the experience we really crave (like eating junk food that is really tasty and calorie-dense, without really providing satiety or nutritional value).
So be wary if you spend more time on social media than talking to loved ones (or if you own more than 20 dogs).
This piece was first written on July 1, 2020, and first appeared on this site on July 22, 2022.
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