Unpredictable rewards are more attractive?

Even after years of research and studies, there are still many unraveled mysteries behind how our human brains work. Our reward circuit is an extremely fascinating component of our involuntary brain activities. It can explain some of the irrational choices and responses made by some of us in our lives. Understanding it will also help us guard against impulsive actions that might be harmful to us in the future.

Research by Professor Gregory Berns has shown that our reward circuits react more to unpredictable stimuli. In response to unpredictable rewards, more dopa-mine will be released than in response to predictable ones and more dopa-mine means more pleasure. Therefore, when a reward is unanticipated, it is particularly powerful and alluring to our brains. This explains our affinity to surprises and why receiving a gift or compliment when we have not been expecting it is much more satisfying than otherwise. Basically, we like surprises because our brains like it too.

One curious thing that Prof. Berns found was that most of his subjects could not tell the difference between the predictable or unpredictable conditions in which the reward was given. One implication of this study is that while people experience more pleasure with unpredictable rewards than with predictable ones, they may not be consciously aware of this fact. Furthermore, the research also shows that there was essentially no relationship between the subjects’ stated preferences and the observed activity in their reward circuits. This suggests that our reward pathways may not only be activated without our recognition, but perhaps even in ways that are contrary to what we think we prefer.

Experts believes that this might explain various "bad choices" and "illogical decisions" people frequently make in life. For example: why some girls prefer "bad boys" despite knowing that they are uncommitted and undependable; why people who complain constantly about their unreliable lovers keep coming back to them time and time again; why many are addicted to gambling despite knowing that it is bad for them; and why people buy lottery despite knowing the near to zero chances of them winning. Our brain derives excitement and pleasure from such activities and actions. Although we might consciously know that they are "wrong" or "dangerous", it is easy for us to make mistakes if we do not make the effort to stay in control.

However, none of this is to say that just because our reward circuits light up in the face of unanticipated rewards, that we are off the hook. We cannot just push all the blame to our brains. It also does not make sense for us to do so because doing so is like saying, "don't blame me, blame my brain!" On the contrary, we should use conscious knowledge to override our unhealthy or undesirable impulses. With the exception of certain situations, in which we really cannot afford ourselves with the time to think, we are expected to be consciously in charge of our brains. We need to train our minds to make the logical and right decisions instead of simply going with the flow or following our instincts.

In conclusion, despite our involuntary affinity towards unexpected rewards. We have to learn to control our urges, to never act on impulse and to always think before we act. We have to be in control of our own lives and the decisions we make. We need to protect ourselves from unforeseen consequences in the future. Therefore, we have to make a conscious effort to override our instinctual responses and chose the rational path instead.