Breaking the Mobile Addiction: The Power of Smiling and Waving for a Dopamine Boost

March 29, 2023

Mountaineer News

Wellness Wednesdays

In today's hyper-connected world, it's no secret that people are addicted to their mobile devices. From constantly checking notifications to mindlessly scrolling through social media feeds, our mobile devices have become ubiquitous in our daily lives. But many people don't realize that this addiction to mobile devices is driven by the release of dopamine in our brains, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward.

Fortunately, there's a simple and effective way to replace the dopamine hit we receive from our mobile devices: using our faces and hands to connect with others in person. A smile and a wave may seem like small gestures, but they can have a powerful impact on both the giver and the receiver.

When we smile and wave at someone, we're not only making a connection with them, but we're also triggering the release of dopamine in our brains. This is because smiling and waving are positive social cues that signal friendliness and approachability, activating the reward centers of our brains.

The great thing about using our faces and hands to connect with others is that it takes no effort. Unlike scrolling through social media or constantly checking our phones, smiling and waving are simple and natural gestures we can do without even thinking about it. And the more we do it, the more we reinforce those positive connections in our brains, leading to a virtuous cycle of positive social interactions.

Of course, some people may be hesitant to try this approach while others won't be receptive, especially if they're used to relying on their mobile devices for social interaction. But the truth is that smiling and waving are universal gestures that transcend language and cultural barriers.

While driving down Main Street this morning, a simple gesture of smiling and waving at a gentleman and his dog waiting to cross at a stop sign triggered a positive response, as he reciprocated the friendly gesture.

Similarly, when encountering two elderly ladies attempting to cross S Florida street, I stopped, gave them space, and conveyed that there was no rush with a smile and a wave. The act of kindness seemed to elicit a euphoric reaction from them... dopamine.

Furthermore, while walking to load groceries, an opportunity arose to assist someone with their shopping cart. A simple smile, wave, and offer to take the cart with me on my way brought about another positive exchange, resulting in both of us experiencing a surge of dopamine.

In today's world, the pervasive influence of technology has captured our dopamine receptors, leading to unprecedented societal introversion. Simple acts of kindness have become increasingly uncommon, despite the ease with which they offer a dopamine exchange.

So, when you feel the urge to pick up your phone for a mindless task or any reason, pause for a moment and think about the easy dopamine hit you can get by using your face and hands in a different way. A simple smile and wave to a stranger or a kind gesture like holding the door open for someone can make a huge difference in your day and theirs.

By making a conscious effort to connect with others in person through simple gestures like smiling and waving, we can break free from the grip of our mobile devices, or at least to some extent. The next time you reach for your phone, try using your face and hands to spread some positivity instead and see if you don't get that hit of dopamine. It's worth a try.

Michael Morehead for Mountaineer News