Outrage pulls us in. Each scandal or absurd headline sparks a quick dopamine rush. It’s much like a gambler “loss chasing,” finding an excuse to keep playing, hoping to break even. But here’s the twist: while these spikes feel powerful, purposeful action—like voting, volunteering, or learning about the issues—feeds the brain in ways that truly last.
I recently listened to Anna Lembke, Chief of the Stanford Addiction Medicine Dual Diagnosis Clinic, on The Peter Attia Drive podcast, where she explained how dopamine fuels addiction in everything from gambling to sex to social media. Outrage-driven politics fits right into this dopamine loop: our brains get a quick “reward” from reacting, venting, and sharing. But it’s temporary, like sugar—leaving us craving the next hit without real satisfaction.
In contrast, purposeful action rewards us differently. Studies show that getting involved in community efforts, voting, or volunteering releases oxytocin, the “bonding hormone,” which builds lasting trust and connection. Unlike dopamine’s quick hit, oxytocin brings calm and empathy. Volunteering, for instance, has been linked to higher life satisfaction and even a decrease in depression, likely because it provides a sense of purpose and belonging.
Get stuck in the endless outrage cycle, or lean into actions that actually build something? Politics plays a crucial role in our lives, but for many of us, our focus on outrage is our choice alone. Purposeful action takes patience but pays off in ways outrage can’t. To break the cycle, try reducing social media time, having in-person conversations with those across the ideological aisle, focusing on local projects, or setting aside regular device- or “outrage-free” days. In the end, it’s not just about doing good for others; it’s about nurturing our own resilience and well-being.