Supernormal Stimuli: How to Recognize and Resist the Artificial Traps of Our Primal Urges
# Supernormal Stimuli: How Primal Urges Overran Their Evolutionary Purpose - Introduction - What are supernormal stimuli and how do they affect us? - How did they evolve and why are they so powerful? - What are some examples of supernormal stimuli in nature and in human society? - The Origins of Supernormal Stimuli - How Konrad Lorenz and Niko Tinbergen discovered the phenomenon of supernormal stimuli in animals - How they used artificial eggs, models, and sticks to elicit stronger responses from birds than natural stimuli - How they explained the mechanism of supernormal stimuli as a result of selective pressures and co-evolution - The Effects of Supernormal Stimuli on Humans - How humans are also susceptible to supernormal stimuli in various domains such as food, sex, media, art, and social interactions - How supernormal stimuli can hijack our natural preferences and instincts and lead to maladaptive behaviors and outcomes - How supernormal stimuli can create addiction, obesity, violence, depression, anxiety, and other problems - The Solutions to Supernormal Stimuli - How we can recognize and avoid supernormal stimuli in our environment and in ourselves - How we can use our rationality, self-control, and awareness to overcome the influence of supernormal stimuli - How we can create healthier and more natural alternatives to supernatural stimuli that satisfy our needs and desires - Conclusion - Summarize the main points of the article - Emphasize the importance of understanding and managing supernormal stimuli for our well-being and happiness - Provide some tips and resources for further learning and action - FAQs - What is the difference between normal and supernormal stimuli? - Are all supernormal stimuli bad for us? - How can we tell if something is a supernormal stimulus or not? - Can we use supernormal stimuli for good purposes? - How can we help others who are affected by supernormal stimuli? # Supernormal Stimuli: How Primal Urges Overran Their Evolutionary Purpose Have you ever wondered why you can't resist eating a slice of cake even when you are not hungry? Or why you spend hours scrolling through social media instead of doing something productive? Or why you are attracted to unrealistic images of beauty and success that make you feel inadequate and unhappy? If you have experienced any of these situations, you are not alone. You are a victim of supernormal stimuli. ## What are supernormal stimuli and how do they affect us? A supernormal stimulus or superstimulus is an exaggerated version of a stimulus to which there is an existing response tendency, or any stimulus that elicits a response more strongly than the stimulus for which it evolved. In other words, a supernormal stimulus is something that appeals to our natural instincts and preferences, but in an unnatural and excessive way. It is like a cheat code that hacks our brain and makes us react more intensely than we normally would. For example, we have a natural tendency to seek food, especially food that is high in calories and nutrients. This is because our ancestors evolved in an environment where food was scarce and unpredictable. Therefore, they had to take advantage of any opportunity to eat and store energy for survival. However, in our modern society, food is abundant and easily accessible. We can find all kinds of food that are designed to stimulate our taste buds and satisfy our cravings. These foods are often processed, refined, and loaded with sugar, fat, salt, and artificial flavors. They are supernormal stimuli that trick our brain into thinking that we need more of them than we actually do. Similarly, we have a natural tendency to seek sex, especially sex that is likely to result in reproduction. This is because our ancestors evolved in an environment where mating was competitive and uncertain. Therefore, they had to look for cues that indicated fertility and health in potential partners. However, in our modern society, sex is widely available and often disconnected from reproduction. We can find all kinds of media that are designed to stimulate our sexual arousal and gratification. These media are often unrealistic, exaggerated, and manipulated to appeal to our fantasies and fetishes. They are supernormal stimuli that trick our brain into thinking that we need more of them than we actually do. ## How did they evolve and why are they so powerful? The concept of supernormal stimuli was first discovered by two ethologists, Konrad Lorenz and Niko Tinbergen, who studied animal behavior in the 1950s. They observed that certain animals would respond more strongly to artificial objects than to natural ones. For example, they found that some birds would prefer brooding eggs that resembled their own species' eggs but were larger. They also found that some birds would peck at red sticks with white markings more than at their parents' bills. They explained that these artificial objects were supernormal stimuli that exploited the animals' innate preferences for certain features. They also proposed that supernormal stimuli evolved as a result of selective pressures and co-evolution between animals displaying them and animals responding to them. For instance, some parasites lay their eggs in the nests of other birds and trick them into raising their offspring. These parasites often have eggs that are larger or more colorful than the host's eggs, making them more attractive and less likely to be rejected. Supernormal stimuli are so powerful because they bypass our rational thinking and tap into our subconscious emotions. They activate the reward system in our brain, which releases dopamine and other chemicals that make us feel good. They also create a feedback loop that reinforces our behavior and makes us want more of the same stimulus. However, this can also lead to negative consequences. Supernormal stimuli can interfere with our natural balance and harmony. They can cause us to neglect or ignore other important aspects of our life such as health, relationships, work, or hobbies. They can also create unrealistic expectations and standards that make us dissatisfied and unhappy with ourselves and others. ## What are some examples of supernormal stimuli in nature and in human society? Supernormal stimuli are not only found in animals but also in humans. In fact, we are surrounded by supernormal stimuli in almost every domain of our life. Here are some examples: - Food: As mentioned before, processed food is a supernormal stimulus that exploits our natural appetite for calories and nutrients. It can cause us to overeat and become obese, diabetic, or malnourished. - Sex: As mentioned before, pornography is a supernormal stimulus that exploits our natural desire for sexual stimulation and reproduction. It can cause us to become addicted, impotent, or dissatisfied with real partners. - Media: Movies, TV shows, video games, social media, and other forms of entertainment are supernormal stimuli that exploit our natural curiosity and need for information and social interaction. They can cause us to become distracted, isolated, or depressed. - Art: Paintings, sculptures, music, literature, and other forms of art are supernormal stimuli that exploit our natural appreciation for beauty and creativity. They can cause us to become obsessed, envious, or bored. - Social: Celebrities, influencers, politicians, and other public figures are supernormal stimuli that exploit our natural admiration for status and power. They can cause us to become idolatrous, cynical, or apathetic. # The Origins of Supernormal Stimuli As we have seen, supernormal stimuli are not a new phenomenon. They have been around for millions of years, and they have played a significant role in the evolution of life on Earth. In this section, we will explore how supernormal stimuli were discovered and explained by two pioneering scientists: Konrad Lorenz and Niko Tinbergen. ## How Konrad Lorenz and Niko Tinbergen discovered the phenomenon of supernormal stimuli in animals Konrad Lorenz and Niko Tinbergen were two ethologists who studied animal behavior in the 1950s. Ethology is the branch of biology that deals with the natural and instinctive behavior of animals in their environment. Lorenz and Tinbergen were interested in understanding how animals learn and communicate with each other. They observed that many animals have innate or inherited behaviors that are triggered by specific stimuli or signals from their surroundings. For example, they noticed that some birds have a fixed action pattern (FAP) of brooding their eggs. A FAP is a sequence of behaviors that is performed automatically and without variation once it is initiated by a stimulus. In this case, the stimulus is the sight or touch of an egg in the nest. Lorenz and Tinbergen wondered what would happen if they presented the birds with different types of eggs or objects that resembled eggs. They conducted a series of experiments using artificial eggs, models, and sticks to test the birds' responses. They found that some birds would prefer brooding eggs that resembled their own species' eggs but were larger. They also found that some birds would peck at red sticks with white markings more than at their parents' bills. They realized that these artificial objects were supernormal stimuli that elicited stronger responses from the birds than the natural stimuli. They also realized that these responses were not learned or rational, but rather instinctive and automatic. ## How they used artificial eggs, models, and sticks to elicit stronger responses from birds than natural stimuli One of the most famous experiments conducted by Lorenz and Tinbergen involved a species of bird called the black-headed gull. These gulls have a red spot on their lower bill, which serves as a stimulus for their chicks to peck at it. When they do so, the parent gull regurgitates food for them. Lorenz and Tinbergen wanted to see if they could manipulate the chicks' pecking behavior by presenting them with different models of gull heads. They used wooden models that varied in shape, color, size, and number of red spots. They found that the chicks pecked more at models that had larger bills, brighter colors, and more red spots than at models that resembled their natural parents. They also found that the chicks pecked more at a simple red stick with three white bands than at any model of gull head. They concluded that the chicks had an innate preference for certain features that indicated food availability, such as red color, contrast, and size. However, when these features were exaggerated or combined in unnatural ways, they became supernormal stimuli that triggered an even stronger pecking response. Another famous experiment conducted by Lorenz and Tinbergen involved a species of bird called the oystercatcher. These birds have a FAP of retrieving their eggs when they roll out of the nest. The stimulus for this behavior is the sight of an egg-shaped object with dark spots on a light background. Lorenz and Tinbergen wanted to see if they could manipulate the oystercatchers' retrieving behavior by presenting them with different types of eggs or objects that resembled eggs. They used natural eggs from different species, artificial eggs made of plaster or wood, and balls or discs with different patterns. They found that the oystercatchers retrieved their own eggs more than eggs from other species. However, they also found that they retrieved artificial eggs more than natural eggs if they were larger or had more spots. They also found that they retrieved balls or discs more than eggs if they had a similar pattern. They concluded that the oystercatchers had an innate preference for certain features that indicated egg identity, such as shape, color, and pattern. However, when these features were exaggerated or combined in unnatural ways, they became supernormal stimuli that triggered an even stronger retrieving response. ## How they explained the mechanism of supernormal stimuli as a result of selective pressures and co-evolution Lorenz and Tinbergen were not only interested in describing how supernormal stimuli worked, but also in explaining why they existed and how they evolved. They proposed that supernormal stimuli were a result of selective pressures and co-evolution between animals displaying them and animals responding to them. Selective pressures are factors that affect the survival and reproduction of organisms in a given environment. Organisms that have traits that increase their fitness (the ability to survive and reproduce) are more likely to pass on their genes to the next generation. Organisms that have traits that decrease their fitness are less likely to do so. Co-evolution is the process by which two or more species influence each other's evolution through their interactions. For example, predators and prey co-evolve as they adapt to each other's strategies and defenses. Similarly, parasites and hosts co-evolve as they exploit and resist each other's tactics and countermeasures. Lorenz and Tinbergen suggested that supernormal stimuli evolved as a result of selective pressures and co-evolution between animals displaying them and animals responding to them. For instance, some parasites lay their eggs in the nests of other birds and trick them into raising their offspring. These parasites often have eggs that are larger or more colorful than the host's eggs, making them more attractive and less likely to be rejected. Similarly, some animals use supernormal stimuli to attract mates or deter rivals. For example, some male birds have elaborate plumage or songs that exaggerate their quality or fitness. Some female insects have pheromones or signals that mimic those of other species or genders, luring males into traps or ambushes. Lorenz and Tinbergen argued that supernormal stimuli were adaptive for the animals displaying them, as they increased their chances of survival and reproduction. However, they were maladaptive for the animals responding to them, as they wasted their time, energy, and resources on false or harmful stimuli. # The Effects of Supernormal Stimuli on Humans As we have seen, supernormal stimuli are not only found in animals but also in humans. In fact, we are surrounded by supernormal stimuli in almost every domain of our life. In this section, we will explore how supernormal stimuli affect us and what problems they can cause. ## How humans are also susceptible to supernormal stimuli in various domains such as food, sex, media, art, and social interactions Humans are also animals, and we share many of the same instincts and preferences that evolved in our ancestors. However, unlike other animals, we have also developed a complex culture and technology that allow us to create and manipulate our environment and ourselves. This means that we can create and encounter supernormal stimuli that are far more powerful and diverse than those found in nature. We can also access and consume them more easily and frequently than ever before. For example, we have a natural tendency to seek food, especially food that is high in calories and nutrients. However, in our modern society, we can find all kinds of processed food that are designed to stimulate our taste buds and satisfy our cravings. These foods are often processed, refined, and loaded with sugar, fat, salt, and artificial flavors. They are supernormal stimuli that trick our brain into thinking that we need more of them than we actually do. Similarly, we have a natural tendency to seek sex, especially sex that is likely to result in reproduction. However, in our modern society, sex is widely available and often disconnected from reproduction. We can find all kinds of media that are designed to stimulate our sexual arousal and gratification. These media are often unrealistic, exaggerated, and manipulated to appeal to our fantasies and fetishes. They are supernormal stimuli that trick our brain into thinking that we need more of them than we actually do. The same applies to other domains such as media, art, and social interactions. We have a natural curiosity and need for information and social interaction. However, in our modern society, we can find all kinds of entertainment that are designed to stimulate our attention and emotion. These entertainment are often sensationalized, dramatized, and personalized to appeal to our interests and biases. They are supernormal stimuli that trick our brain into thinking that we need more of them than we actually do. We also have a natural appreciation for beauty and creativity. However, in our modern society, we can find all kinds of art that are designed to stimulate our aesthetic sense and imagination. These art are often stylized, abstracted, and amplified to appeal to our preferences and expectations. They are supernormal stimuli that trick our brain into thinking that we need more of them than we actually do. We also have a natural admiration for status and power. However, in our modern society, we can find all kinds of public figures that are designed to stimulate our respect and aspiration. These public figures are often idealized, glorified, and magnified to appeal to our values and goals. They are supernormal stimuli that trick our brain into thinking that we need more of them than we actually do. ## How supernormal stimuli can hijack our natural preferences and instincts and lead to maladaptive behaviors and outcomes Supernormal stimuli can hijack our natural preferences and instincts and lead to maladaptive behaviors and outcomes. This is because they interfere with our natural balance and harmony. They cause us to neglect or ignore other important aspects of our life such as health, relationships, work, or hobbies. They also create unrealistic expectations and standards that make us dissatisfied and unhappy with ourselves and others. For example, consuming too much processed food can lead to obesity, diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and other health problems. It can also reduce our appetite for natural food that is more nutritious and beneficial for us. Consuming too much pornography can lead to addiction, impotence, sexual dysfunction, relationship problems, violence, exploitation, and other social problems. It can also reduce our attraction for real partners who are more compatible and fulfilling for us. Consuming too much entertainment can lead to distraction, isolation, depression, anxiety, boredom, and other psychological problems. It can also reduce our motivation for learning new things or engaging in meaningful activities. Consuming too much art can lead to obsession, envy, boredom, and other emotional problems. It can also reduce our creativity or appreciation for originality and diversity. Consuming too much public figures can lead to idolatry, cynicism, apathy, and other moral problems. It can also reduce our self-esteem or autonomy for personal growth and development. ## How supernormal stimuli can create addiction, obesity, violence, depression, anxiety, and other problems Supernormal stimuli can create addiction, obesity, violence, depression, anxiety, and other problems by affecting our brain and body in various ways. First, supernormal stimuli can activate the reward system in our brain, which releases dopamine and other chemicals that make us feel good. However, this can also lead to tolerance and dependence, meaning that we need more and more of the same stimulus to get the same effect. This can create a vicious cycle of craving and consumption that is hard to break. Second, supernormal stimuli can disrupt the homeostasis in our body, which is the state of equilibrium and stability that maintains our health and well-being. For example, eating too much sugar can raise our blood glucose level and trigger an insulin response that lowers it. However, this can al