We live in a time where instant gratification has become the norm. From the food we eat to the entertainment we consume and much more, anything we could wish for is just a click away.
While this makes it incredibly easy for us to get things in a short amount of time, these modern conveniences have had a profound impact on our behaviors and experiences.
Living in a world as fast-paced, technological and dominated by money, as humanity, we are too used to getting what we want here and now.
In fact, when our needs or wants aren’t instantly met (no matter how trivial), we feel like waiting for that extra time, even if it’s not that much, it just highlights that sense of urgency and therefore that yearning for instant gratification.
Even something as mundane as gambling at an online casino makes us want to play the latest game with the most exclusive bonuses to win.
And sure, for impatient gamers, there are ample instant play casino bonus codes to choose from, but the hobby should be seen as just that: an entertaining way to fill free time
What is instant gratification?
Instant gratification is a term used to characterize the natural human drive to want good things now, foregoing any future benefit in order to satisfy a desire as fully as possible.
Unlike previous generations, who understood the art of waiting, today’s digital world demands immediacy, reducing patience to a long-forgotten anachronism.
While our desires are quickly fulfilled isn’t necessarily a bad thing, some undeniable repercussions of our instant gratification-driven lifestyle need to be addressed.
Whether we are aware of it or not, instant gratification can be found in our everyday lives and is constantly fulfilled by technology.
From same-day delivery to binge-watching the latest TV show, we’ve all grown accustomed to receiving rewards without waiting, but at what cost? Studies have shown that these quick fixes have made us more impatient than ever, leading people to act impulsively, which, in most cases, can have negative consequences.
Examples include indulging in unhealthy foods to satisfy a craving instead of looking for a healthy alternative or hitting the snooze button instead of getting up early to exercise.
The need for instant gratification has also affected our attention span, with a study by the MIT Media Lab revealing that people can only focus on a computer screen for about 40 seconds before clicking on other content or switching between apps.
Similarly, a study by Common Sense Media that involved interviewing teachers of different age groups reported that media use was affecting their students’ attention spans.
Can you prevent it?
One way to avoid falling into the instant gratification trap is to practice delayed gratification. Investigation It has been shown that this practice can lead to a healthier life, as it will allow you to make better food choices, reduce your anxiety and stress levels, and help you sleep better at night.
However, resisting the urge is not easy, since we are programmed for instant gratification. Also, indulging in this practice from time to time can be seen as a form of self-care, so don’t be too hard on yourself.
Instant gratification can be managed by acknowledging your impulses, like reaching for a snack or your phone, to help you understand where they’re coming from and how you can change how you respond to them.
Researchers have reported that awareness and observation are linked to delayed gratification, so it’s important to focus on what the urges are rather than trying to instantly satisfy them.
Another essential factor in improving your relationship with instant gratification is to remember how you feel once you have reacted.
Let’s say you really wanted to eat fast food but knew it wouldn’t do you good, or buy something you couldn’t afford, leaving you feeling guilty.
Remembering how these actions made you feel can help you be more aware and make informed decisions.
At the end of the day, there are no shortcuts in life, and as such, you owe it to yourself to plan ahead.
Impulsive decisions may seem like fun right now, but in the long run, you’ll have to deal with the consequences, so it’s best to avoid them at all costs.
