You know this person. You are at a meeting. Wanting to meet a whole bunch of interesting people. And, you have been cornered by “Tom”, who has been regaling you with his capabilities and exploits for the past 20 minutes. What makes this guy tick?
Actually, that’s exactly what Diana Tamir and Jason Mitchell sought to determine. These two neuroscientists from Harvard’s Psychology department (actually Diana Tamir is a graduate student and Dr. Mitchell is a Professor) have just reported their findings in PNAS (Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences). Admittedly, “Tom” is way over the top. But, it turns out that we are all “Tom”. Most of us manage to commandeer about 30-40% of our conversation into talking about ourselves. (It actually can reach 80% when we communicate on the internet.)
It turns out this braggadocio is part of our natural makeup. It stimulates that portion of our brain that functions as our pleasure center, with copious release of dopamines. And, using fMRI shows that this portion of our brain lights up brighter than the Empire State Building on Valentine’s day when we do talk about ourselves- or use Facebook or LinkedIn to spread the word about our exploits.
Not only do we crave this dopamine release- which is also what happens during sexual encounters, food cravings and money considerations- but we actually enjoy this activity more than money. Really. Drs. Tamir and Mitchell found that subjects were willing to forgo about 20% (17-25%) of their potential financial rewards, when presented with a choice to continue the conversations about themselves. This was proven by studies where they offered the subjects financial compensation to engage in discussions about others, instead of themselves.
Obviously, we now know, we never really have to offer a penny for one’s thoughts- if those are about themselves.
Now I know why it’s so hard for me to shut up and let others talk. I just thought I was egomaniac. I now know it’s because I don’t have any of those kinds of encounters. Thanks, Roy. I am feeling deprived so I am going to get myself something I like to eat–chocolate, my favorite substitute for other things I don’t have. 🙂
Ann recently posted..Media Marketing Strategy–British Version
Ah, Ann, Ann, Ann…. We will always give you the chance to talk… And, of course, you can share your chocolate among us other chocoholics 🙂
I wonder if they looked at introverts vs extroverts or is their study independent. Personally, I really hate talking about myself and looking at your blog history, you talk about other things about 90% of the time with only sharing personal stuff a very small amount of the time.
Roberta Budvietas, recently posted..How Has the Web/Internet changed Business?
Ah, Roberta, I am definitely one OUT of the ordinary 🙂
Roy
This is interesting, Roy, but enough about me let’s talk about me. LOL I’d love to see the brain scan of someone diagnosed with Narcissistic personality disorder (though the last I heard it might be left out of the new DSM) talking about themselves. As hilarious as this information is, I do think it would shed some light on some personality disorders and the medication or therapy that could be used to treat them. As usual a COOL article. Sorry I missed it by a day…But Oy, what a day I had yesterday…lemme tell ya 😉
Lisa Brandel recently posted..Flower Bike by Lisa Brandel
I think the Narcissist tips the scales beyond these levels, Lisa. But, what can I say? You don’t really want me to tell you about my… 🙂
Roy