Are We Wired to Want Stuff?
With the recent coming and going of the craziness of “Black Friday” and its rampant commercialism…with the holiday season ramping up…with my son in the second grade, exposed to classmate talk about what presents they plan on getting in the next few weeks, it reminded me of an article by social psychologist Christine Carter discussing whether we’re “wired to want stuff.”
Like the author, as intentional parents, we want to foster positive emotions like gratitude and altruism-to bring meaning, connection, and positive memories. So how can we do so at this challenging time of year?
We can teach them to recognize what makes them want, want, want. We can teach them to realize when they are being manipulated by advertisers, who take advantage of the following:
- We systematically confuse gratification, which is fleeting, with real joy or lasting happiness;
- Our brains are hardwired to pursue rewards. Our brain’s built-in reward system motivates us toward all the carrots, large and small, that are dangling out there. We’ll pursue anything that seems like a reward, and our kids will, too.
- All the carrots being dangled out there are dizzying. The advertisers know how to stimulate that dopamine rush in ourselves and our children.
By recognizing these tendencies, and, by creating meaningful traditions, we can teach our kids what truly will bring them lasting happiness during the holidays-like starting a gratitude tradition or helping others.
Keep Up to Date
Have access to incredible articles and keep up to date with all Camp Kupugani life here!