Part 2/10:
At the core of smartphone engagement lies a well-understood but troubling mechanism — dopamine. Smartphones play on our inherent human desire for feedback, leading to chemical reactions in our brains that elicit a sense of pleasure. This cycle of immediate gratification creates a loop where users seek constant validation and stimulation, often resulting in desensitization. Over time, heavy reliance on these feedback loops can foster a detachment from reality, leaving individuals increasingly engrossed in their screens rather than the world around them.