Stimulation and behavior in confined environments

Confining pigeons in small cages led to suboptimal behavioral choices, but when placed in a larger, enriched environment, they made optimal choices. The researcher drew a parallel between pigeons' behavior and how humans seek stimulation when living in confined indoor spaces. Humans have a tendency to search for stimulation through gambling, excess social media use, and other behaviors, which may stem from the desire for the rewarding, stimulating environment in which humans evolved. The modern environment has changed, providing easy access to stimulation, but there is still a yearning for work and unpredictability.