Author Topic: Hedonic adaptation and pleasurable activities  (Read 2098 times)

obstinate

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Hedonic adaptation and pleasurable activities
« on: January 10, 2017, 12:42:32 AM »
Hi, I find the concept of hedonic adaptation really interesting. I wonder if it applies to more than just expensive things. For example, is it possible that by spending too much time on certain fun things, I am failing to maximize my overall happiness/fulfilment by adapting to those things?

There is a balance to be struck. Most good things are better enjoyed for two minutes than one. This might be because one minute is barely enough time to get started on most fun activities. But very few things can be enjoyed more for twelve hours than eleven in a row. At some point you'll reach physical exhaustion.

For me, the guilty pleasure is video gaming. But I am somewhat worried that by spending as much time on this as I do (a couple hours a night) I'm actually depriving myself both of the joy of other activities, AND of the increased quality of joy that would come with a more moderate amount of game playing.

I'm interested primarily in research here, not mere opinions. Has any study been made into the optimal amount of time to perform various activities? Thanks in advance, friends.

Moustachienne

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Re: Hedonic adaptation and pleasurable activities
« Reply #1 on: January 10, 2017, 04:40:05 PM »
Here's a book about why we can't STOP pleasurable activities like gaming.  :)

- https://www.amazon.com/Compass-Pleasure-Exercise-Marijuana-Generosity/dp/0670022586/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1279742181&sr=1-1

Good background article on hedonic adaptation - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hedonic_treadmill

The paradox of hedonism might be what you're after - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paradox_of_hedonism
More scholarly/research articles in the References.

And because I can't resist an opinion - I think there's something about more pleasure in something that's a treat rather than a habit.