Scarcity Brain

July 24, 2023
Easter (The Comfort Crisis), a professor of journalism at the University of Nevada–Las Vegas, offers an intriguing analysis of the human fixation with attaining “that one thing we think will... make us feel whole.” If addiction is defined as “chronically seeking a reward despite negative consequences,” writes Easter, then “early human” ancestors fit the bill—they braved “treacherous weather, wildlife, and landscapes” and other perils to seek food and safety. Modern humans, who generally have their basic needs met, are wired to search out stimulation in similar ways, whether pursuing drugs, food, or alcohol. Easter explains how such behaviors as binge-drinking are powered by the “scarcity loop,” in which an opportunity to gain “something of value” yields unpredictable rewards and allows for quick repetition. To rework those behaviors, humans can hijack the scarcity loop to give it a productive purpose, creating an “abundance loop”—for example, pursuing an “active and rewarding” manual hobby such as furniture making. While Easter goes long on several less than illuminating stories (including a discussion of how he adopted a diet like the Tsimane people of Bolivia, which sidesteps the “food scarcity loop” because it emphasizes unprocessed foods, which lack much of the excessive salt, fat, and starch that elicit addictive responses), readers will be captivated by the fascinating addiction science and diverse case studies, from the recent rise in sports betting to obsessive use of dating apps. Those who feel trapped in unhealthy habits will find more than a few useful tools.