DOPAMINE: HERO OR VILLAIN? AN ANALYSIS OF THE MECHANISMS OF REWARD, MOTIVATION, AND BEHAVIOR IN CONTEMPORARY SOCIETY

Abstract

Dopamine plays a fundamental role in the regulation of several neurobiological processes related to motivation, reward, learning, and behavior, although it is often simplistically described as the “pleasure neurotransmitter.” Understanding its function requires considering the complexity of dopaminergic circuits and their involvement in both adaptive behaviors and processes associated with compulsion and addiction. In this context, this study aimed to analyze the role of dopamine in the mechanisms of reward, motivation, learning, and behavior, while also considering the potential repercussions of recurrent exposure to rewarding stimuli in contemporary society. This study consists of a qualitative, descriptive, and exploratory literature review based on scientific studies available in PubMed and Google Scholar. The analyzed studies demonstrate that dopaminergic activity is involved in assigning salience to stimuli, goal-directed effort, synaptic plasticity, and the consolidation of learning and habits. They also indicate that psychoactive substances and certain behavioral and technological stimuli may interact with reward circuits, potentially promoting changes in patterns of motivation and behavior when exposure is intense and repetitive. It is concluded that dopamine cannot be classified solely as a “hero” or a “villain,” since its effects depend on the interaction between neurobiological mechanisms, stimulus characteristics, and behavioral context, reinforcing the need for a broader and more critical understanding of its role in contemporary human behavior.