MIT fMRI research shows mystery box purchases activate the same brain reward region as cocaine, explaining why they create powerful spending addiction loops.
Where this was said
At 1:13:20 · chapter starts 1:09:15
The question of the day comes from Carson in New York, whose mystery box and adult fidget toy habit is costing $20-$70 per purchase while he and his wife try to pay off consumer debt. George takes the question seriously rather than dismissing it, pulling in MIT neuroimaging research showing the brain's reward center — same region triggered by cocaine — fires during unpredictable reward purchases. He offers a two-option framework: either cut it cold turkey for 6 months to test dependency, or agree on $20/month of fun money that's the only discretionary spend — nothing more, nothing impulsive. [1] — George Kamel "MIT fMRI study on mystery box purchases: MIT fMRI research shows mystery box purchases activate the same brain reward region as cocaine, ex…" 1:13:20
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