Fireworks and the novelty effect

There is a certain gruesome novelty in tragedy, as we normally see other people in highly unpleasant and deadly circumstances, while we are safe.

There is a mix of emotions that is experienced, ranging from joy, grief, pity and delight.

It becomes so easily a habit because our brain craves these distractions - it's a mechanism in our mind called the 'novelty bias'.

Research shows, that one of the pleasure neurochemicals, dopamine, is released when we stop & check emails, notifications, social media update...

• They are harmful to everyone involved in a debate: they don’t get us anywhere because we’re not tackling an opponent’s actual viewpoint. This means we have no hope of convincing them.
• It’s not easy to admit we’re wrong about anything or to have to change our minds. But this is cruc...