Watching sport is one of the most popular past times globally. Sport can captivate huge fan bases, and many plan their weekly schedules around their team's fixture list. This cultural obsession can be heavily attributed to one key factor - dopamine.
Dopamine is a neurotransmitter known to be closely associated with the reward and pleasure centres of the brain. It plays an important role in regulating motivation, mood, and cognitive processes and is particularly relevant in the context of sports fandom. When sports fans are in a stadium or watching a game on TV, their brains release dopamine in response to a variety of stimuli, such as cheering, high-fiving, and celebrating.
One of the primary ways in which dopamine is released during sports fandom is through social bonding. Fans who attend in person or watch with others on TV can experience a sense of social connection and camaraderie. This stimulates the release of dopamine in the brain. This feeling of social bonding is often referred to as "collective effervescence" and has been observed in various social contexts, including religious ceremonies, political rallies, and music concerts.
Another way in which dopamine is released during sports fandom is through the anticipation and experience of victory. When a team wins a game, fans experience a rush of dopamine associated with pleasure and reward. This dopamine release can be particularly strong for fans who have a strong emotional attachment to a particular team or player, leading to feelings of euphoria and excitement that can last long after the game ends.
In addition to social bonding and the anticipation of victory, dopamine can also be released in response to the physical sensations associated with sports fandom. For example, when a fan jumps out of their seat to celebrate a goal or catch, jumping can stimulate dopamine release in the brain. Similarly, the sound of a roaring crowd can also stimulate dopamine release, as it is associated with excitement and pleasure.
Overall, the science behind dopamine in sports fandom is complex and multifaceted. While social bonding, the anticipation of victory, and physical sensations are all important factors in the release of dopamine, many other factors likely contribute to this complex process. However, one thing is clear: for many sports fans, the experience of watching a game is closely tied to the release of dopamine in the brain. It is a source of pleasure and excitement that can be difficult to replicate in other contexts.
References:
Durkheim, E. (1912). The Elementary Forms of Religious Life. London: George Allen & Unwin.
Knutson, B., Adams, C., Fong, G. W., & Hommer, D. (2001). Anticipation of increasing monetary reward selectively recruits nucleus accumbens. Journal of Neuroscience, 21, 1-5.
Salimpoor, V. N., Benovoy, M., Longo, G., Cooperstock, J. R., & Zatorre, R. J. (2009). The rewarding aspects of music listening are related to degree of emotional arousal. PLoS ONE, 4, e7487.
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