#Concept

Hedonic adaptation refers to the process by which emotional responses to life events diminish over time. It explains why people acclimate to both good and bad circumstances—whether a lottery win or a setback—and revert to their typical level of happiness. Researchers describe it as a "hedonic treadmill," where people continuously pursue new experiences or possessions to feel happy, only to find themselves back at square one after the novelty wears off.

Why We Evolved Hedonic Adaptation

Hedonic adaptation likely evolved as a survival mechanism. For early humans, extreme emotions—whether constant elation or despair—could have been distracting or detrimental in life-or-death situations. Adaptation allowed individuals to focus on immediate challenges rather than getting stuck in overwhelming highs or lows.

For example, celebrating the abundance of a successful hunt was useful for motivation, but dwelling on that joy for too long could divert attention from preparing for future scarcity. Similarly, adapting to losses helped early humans remain functional and resilient, improving their chances of survival.

The Downsides

While hedonic adaptation helps us cope with adversity, it also dampens the joy of achievements and positive changes. This can lead to a relentless pursuit of new goals, possessions, or experiences—a cycle of temporary highs followed by inevitable returns to a baseline level of happiness. This can leave people feeling unfulfilled despite significant accomplishments.

Moreover, hedonic adaptation can make it difficult to appreciate what one already has. As newness fades, the excitement we once felt about a milestone or possession diminishes, leading us to take it for granted. This can foster a sense of dissatisfaction, even in otherwise favorable circumstances.

Overcoming Hedonic Adaptation

Gratitude: Regularly reflecting on and appreciating what you have can slow adaptation and enhance contentment. Journaling about daily blessings or expressing gratitude to others can strengthen this habit.

Mindfulness: Practicing mindfulness helps you stay present, savoring positive experiences instead of rushing to the next moment.

Pursue Meaningful Goals: Focusing on activities that align with your values and purpose creates a deeper sense of fulfillment than material pursuits.

Cultivate Relationships: Building strong social connections fosters long-lasting happiness, as relationships provide ongoing support, joy, and meaning.
Introduce Novelty: Regularly trying new activities or changing routines can keep experiences fresh and engaging.

Learn more at "The Many Faces of Hedonic Adaptation" by Søren Harnow Klausen et al

Tribalism is deeply rooted in our evolutionary history. For early humans, group cohesion was critical for survival. Tribes provided protection from predators, shared resources, and collective problem-solving. Loyalty to one's tribe ensured mutual support and cooperation, making group survival more likely.

The "us versus them" mindset was also an adaptive tool for recognizing threats. Outsiders could be competitors for resources or pose direct danger, and early humans needed to quickly identify and react to these risks. This instinct ensured the survival of tightly-knit groups, but it also laid the groundwork for intergroup conflict.

Negative Effects

In modern times, the same instincts that helped our ancestors survive often manifest in less constructive ways, such as political polarization, cultural conflicts, online echo chambers and stereotyping. Toxic tribalism arises when group loyalty eclipses critical thinking and empathy. This can lead to behaviors like scapegoating, demonizing out-groups, and resisting collaboration or compromise. Social media amplifies these divisions by promoting content that reinforces group identity and outrage, further entrenching people in their beliefs and making dialogue across divides more difficult.

Overcoming Tribalism

Developing Empathy helps individuals understand and appreciate the experiences and perspectives of those outside their group. This can reduce biases and promote connection across divides.

Focusing on Common Goals such as climate change or public health crises, can shift focus from competition to collaboration, encouraging groups to work together for mutual benefit.

Encouraging Critical Thinking by promoting education and dialogue that challenge group biases can help individuals evaluate information objectively and avoid blind loyalty to their in-group.

Fostering Intergroup Contact through interactions with people from different backgrounds or beliefs can reduce prejudice and foster mutual respect.

Creating Inclusive Narratives through shifting the focus from narrow group identities to broader, inclusive identities—such as global citizenship—can help reduce the divisive effects of tribalism.

Learn More at Segal, E. (2019). When Tribalism Goes Bad.