In today’s digital age, the rapid proliferation of technology has transformed daily life, creating an environment saturated with constant stimulation. Datuk Dr Andrew Mohanraj, a consultant psychiatrist and president of the Malaysian Mental Health Association, highlights concerns over society’s growing dependence on instant gratification fueled by what he describes as a "dopamine-rich" culture.
Dr Mohanraj draws attention to how technological advances have made activities like ordering food, shopping, accessing entertainment, and communicating easier and faster than ever before. Malaysia, for instance, had an estimated 35.4 million internet users by the end of 2025, representing about 98% of the population, with social media users numbering around 30.7 million, or 85% of Malaysians. While digital connectivity offers considerable benefits—including improved access to information, healthcare, education, and business opportunities—the challenge lies in ensuring technology remains a tool rather than a controlling influence.
Central to this discussion is dopamine, a brain chemical involved not only in pleasure but also motivation and reward anticipation. According to Dr Mohanraj’s interpretation of Stanford psychiatrist Dr Anna Lembke’s work, the problem stems from the relentless pursuit of pleasure rather than pleasure itself. Modern technologies and digital platforms are designed to capture and hold users’ attention by delivering unpredictable, intermittent rewards—from notifications and scrolling feeds to personalized content—making disengagement difficult.
This dynamic creates what has been termed the "dopamine trap," where individuals repeatedly seek stimulation to avoid discomfort or boredom. Dr Mohanraj points out that many Malaysians habitually check their smartphones throughout the day—in queues, during meals, while commuting, and even at bedtime—leaving little room for silence or reflection. This near-constant engagement can undermine the natural ability to tolerate frustration, loneliness, or boredom, emotions that are an inescapable part of life.
The psychiatrist cautions that excessive reliance on digital distractions can lead to compulsive behaviors resembling addiction, marked by increased time spent online, difficulty stopping the activity, and emotional dependence. However, he emphasizes that not all high-frequency users are addicted; rather, addiction exists on a spectrum. The environment, characterized by frictionless access and minimal pauses between desire and fulfillment, plays a significant role in reinforcing compulsive use.
Dr Mohanraj advocates for reintroducing intentional "pauses" and boundaries—such as screen-free mealtimes, limiting unnecessary notifications, and setting times without device usage—to counterbalance the culture of immediate gratification. He further stresses the importance of allowing children—and adults—to experience boredom and discomfort. These moments, he explains, foster creativity, resilience, patience, and psychological well-being. Discomfort associated with effortful activities like exercise, learning, or relationship building, though challenging, ultimately contributes to meaningful growth.
Ultimately, the message calls for a balanced approach: embracing the advantages of digital technology while cultivating patience, self-control, and the capacity to tolerate silence and stillness. Such equilibrium may prove essential as society navigates the complexities of a dopamine-driven era and strives to maintain psychological health amid relentless stimulation.