The Brain Craves Predictability for Energy Efficiency

The brain constantly makes predictions and adjusts them by paying attention to the prediction error, which is the disparity between expected outcomes and actual results. Neurotransmitters like dopamine respond to the prediction error, signaling to the brain that adjustments are needed. This architecture in the brain demonstrates its inclination towards predictability due to energy efficiency reasons. Predictability prevents the brain from expending excessive neural energy when dealing with anticipated events, whereas surprises demand significant attention and caloric expenditure to understand and adapt. As mobile creatures needing to conserve energy, our brain's evolution prioritizes efficiency to ensure our survival in a resource-scarce environment.