CrowdScience
Why do we daydream?
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Quick takeaways
- Daydreaming is a common and normal mental activity that allows us to reflect on the past and plan for the future, but excessive daydreaming can become maladaptive and lead to conditions like maladaptive daydreaming.
- Neuroimaging studies have revealed that specific regions of the brain, known as the default network, become activated during daydreaming, memory tasks, and imagination of the future, shedding light on the complex nature of daydreaming and its impact on our lives.
Deep dives
Daydreaming: Exploring the Purpose and Effects
Daydreaming is a common and normal mental activity that allows us to reflect on the past and plan for the future. Dr. Julia Poerio, a psychology lecturer, defines daydreaming as task-unrelated and stimulus-independent thoughts. Typically, people spend about 30% of their time daydreaming, which is considered typical. Daydreaming is crucial for our cognitive flexibility and ability to imagine different scenarios. However, excessive daydreaming can become maladaptive, leading to conditions like maladaptive daydreaming. Taylor Dickinson, also known as Feminome on TikTok, shares her experience as a maladaptive daydreamer, explaining how her daydreams provide an escape from reality but also lead to unhealthy dependency and toxic relationships. Maladaptive daydreaming is being recognized as a behavioral addiction and may be linked to anxiety and depression. Experts like Prof. Ellie Sommer emphasize the need to understand and address maladaptive daydreaming, as many individuals suffering from it feel ashamed and struggle to cope.
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