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331. Paul Zak — Immersion: The Science of the Extraordinary and the Source of Happiness

The Michael Shermer Show

CHAPTER

What's the Base Rate Measure?

A good experience is a good experience. If it's good ones, it's going to continue to be good. The brain really wants to be at baseline just idle. So if I can bounce you out of that idle state, your brain is going to value it. And this dopamine oxytocin feedback loop for immersion means that the way you enjoy it now, it'll create cravings to repeat it. Every experience is not going to be extraordinary and it shouldn't. It's just like a slasher movie. Or if you look at long form entertainment, you know, they're emotional peaks and valleys.

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