Craving & Anticipation
The dopamine surge peaks at the cue that predicts a reward, not at the reward itself; craving is the felt version of that prediction and drives search behaviour toward the cue.
An everyday example
The urge to check the tracker when the notification sound plays, whatever the message says.
What it can cost you
Acting on craving as if it were preference, and being fed cues by anyone who benefits from your search behaviour.
Warning signs
- The urge is strongest right before I act, not during.
- I no longer enjoy it, I just want it.
One thing to do
Notice the cue-to-urge gap and put a pause in it; craving fades within minutes when not acted on.
Is this happening to you right now?
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