Understanding the Role of Serotonin in our Day-to-Day Lives
Serotonin, a crucial neurotransmitter, plays a significant role in our feelings of admiration and status. Activated when we receive admiration or achieve a certain level of status, serotonin creates a pleasurable sensation that motivates us to seek further respect. This phenomenon is observable in all individuals, including ourselves, although we may not always consciously acknowledge it. In the animal kingdom, the pursuit of respect serves the purpose of spreading an individual's DNA. While most people are not consciously driven by this genetic motive, our quest for social dominance is fueled by the serotonin-induced feeling of importance. Additionally, humans often avoid conflict because it is associated with pain. As a result, our brains constantly seek ways to experience the positive aspects of serotonin, such as status and respect, while minimizing the negative aspects of conflict and pain.
The Link Between Dominance and Serotonin
Dominance and submission behaviors can be observed across all mammal species. Dominant gestures and behaviors indicate the intention to control valuable resources, such as food or opportunities for mating. On the other hand, submission behaviors serve as a protective mechanism against the potential pain of conflict with stronger individuals. Animals typically engage in physical fights only when both parties believe they are stronger than their opponent. However, competition is generally avoided as animals possess the ability to assess their relative strength and often choose submission to prevent harm. For a deeper understanding of this topic, one can explore the methods of Miyomoto Musashi, a legendary Japanese swordsman who excelled not only in blade skills but also in accurately assessing his opponents before challenging them.
In our daily lives, we constantly shift between dominant and submissive roles to maintain friendships and connections. We may take the lead at times, while surrendering control at others. While it is true that no one should dominate others entirely, there are situations where action is necessary. For instance, consider a scenario where two people accidentally bump into each other on a bus, both intending to offer the other a seat by saying "after you." If both individuals insist on the other going first, the seat would remain empty indefinitely. In this situation, one person must take the lead by insisting more firmly, which may result in them feeling superior. This quest for serotonin, status, and hierarchy is driven by our brains.
The pursuit of social dominance among mammals stems from the fact that serotonin induces a feeling of dominance, providing a sense of security and increasing the chances of survival. An intriguing research study showcased the significance of social dominance by separating an alpha monkey from its troop using a one-way mirror. The alpha, the leader to whom group members routinely submit, performed the typical dominance gestures of its species, but the subordinates did not respond with the expected submission gestures due to the obstructed view caused by the one-way mirror. As a result, the alpha became agitated, and its serotonin levels dropped. With each passing day of the experiment, the alpha's serotonin levels continued to decline, leading to increased agitation. It became evident that the alpha needed the submission of its subordinates to maintain its elevated status, as reflected in its serotonin levels.
Serotonin and Survival
Serotonin is present in all living creatures, even single-celled organisms. These organisms, such as amoebas, utilize serotonin in a way that holds relevance to humans. Interestingly, humans have more serotonin in their digestive systems than in their brains. Amoebas, which lack separate digestive and nervous systems, employ serotonin in a unique pathway that sheds light on important aspects of human behaviour. Serotonin signals the amoeba's body to move towards food and prepare for digestion. The process is straightforward: as an amoeba continually forages for sustenance, it must assess the environment for potential dangers by allowing tiny amounts of water to pass through its cell membrane. If the water from the environment contains a high concentration of foreign and unrecognized material, the amoeba interprets it as a threat and reacts by swiftly moving away. However, if the water contains a low level of foreign material, indicating familiar territory, the amoeba perceives safety and a favorable feeding opportunity. It feels secure and releases serotonin, which straightens its tail and prompts it to move forward while activating its digestive system. Serotonin provides the sensation that it is safe to proceed and fulfill its needs. In humans, serotonin also influences spinal posture, hence the association with tail straightening.
Serotonin plays a significant role in resource management. Consider a litter of puppies with more offspring than available teats on their mother. Each puppy must compete for nourishment from the moment they are born, necessitating complex decisions. If a puppy does not struggle, it risks starvation, but excessive pushing may result in conflict or deplete more energy than it gains. Serotonin helps each puppy find the appropriate level of aggression. Each successful act of dominance, such as outcompeting a littermate for nourishment, triggers a rush of serotonin. This motivates the puppy to seek more opportunities to assert dominance, while the additional nourishment obtained aids in survival. However, success is not guaranteed, and there are times when serotonin levels decline, prompting the puppy to submit and conserve energy. Serotonin levels play a crucial role in promoting survival by balancing energy expenditure with food intake, regardless of whether they are elevated or decreased.
When a puppy possesses additional energy, it strives to dominate access to food and nourishment by keeping others away. If successful, it seeks a better food supply, such as a nipple closer to the mother's heart, which provides more nutrition and warmth than hind nipples. In this process, mother dogs do not intervene; instead, the siblings sort out their own dynamics a few days after birth. Each puppy learns from the experiences of pleasure and pain, and their brains develop expectations that guide them on when to assert their needs and when to hold back to avoid conflict and pain. As they grow, the puppies will eventually forage for their own food and compete for mating opportunities.
WHEN DO YOU FEEL SEROTONIN?
Serotonin is closely linked to the feeling of importance. Our brains have evolved to seek social dominance because those with such tendencies were more successful in passing on their genes. However, our brain's motivations are not unidimensional. We also strive to avoid conflict because aggression can hinder survival. Consequently, our brains constantly estimate social data, and when we find safe ways to assert ourselves, our brain rewards us with serotonin. Unlike other mammals, our complex human brain can activate serotonin through thought alone, without necessitating frequent one-on-one confrontations. We associate this state of self-assuredness with terms like "pride," "confidence," or "self-respect." This process feels good, highlighting the importance of mindful self-talk. Being aware of our natural desire for serotonin is a valuable skill.
It's All Relative
Past experiences with serotonin contribute to the formation of neural circuits that shape our present expectations. If we expect to be the ultimate authority in every aspect of our lives, we may find ourselves feeling disrespected most of the time. Even if our objective circumstances are favorable, the constant expectation of unwavering admiration from others leads to disappointment. On the other hand, someone who sets more realistic expectations may feel content with the respect they receive in a more ordinary world, thus enjoying the calm and secure sensation associated with serotonin.
It is important to note that social dominance is not synonymous with socioeconomic status. For instance, a person who ranks number one on the world's wealthiest people list may feel their survival is threatened if they fall to the second position. In contrast, an average individual who harshly bulliesand dominates those around them may derive a sense of satisfaction from such behavior. Many strategies for social dominance are unrelated to formal wealth and status. Factors like appearance can influence one's perception of respect, with one person feeling respected for their appearance while another person with identical looks may feel disrespected. Our neurochemical responses depend on the pre-wired circuits of expectation that we have developed.
Antidepressants, such as Prozac, are commonly prescribed to increase serotonin levels in the brain. However, it is important to note that when antidepressants were initially introduced to the public, medical science did not fully understand the complexities of serotonin. There was a misconception that ingesting a specific "correct level" of serotonin could make a person happy, regardless of their thoughts and actions. However, we are only beginning to grasp the intricate relationship between serotonin and what we perceive as happiness. Insights from animal research provide valuable understanding of the ups and downs of our neurochemical balance, although they also pose unsettling questions. The dominance-seeking desires observed in all mammals are not a solution for happiness, but they do shed light on the power of self-respect.
The neurochemicals associated with happiness serve specific survival purposes and regulate their levels to be ready to alert us to new opportunities for survival. Maintaining constantly elevated neurotransmitter levels without appropriate cause can lead to problems. Additionally, excessively spiking neurotransmitter levels can desensitize our systems, much like loud music, which can have negative consequences for our survival.
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