Why NFL football is popular from a proven scientific standpoint.
Gambling, sports… gambling on sports- all fun things. Lets face it. But have you ever wondered why? Besides the obvious traditions involved with sports, just from a logical point of view, why is it so fascinating and outright fun to watch a bunch of guys you don’t know, have nothing to do with, do something without your help?
Well, cutting edge science has given us the answer.
Simply put, things are better when they are unexpected.
Have you ever gathered in a dark room, with a half smile on your face while you waited for the birthday boy or girl to walk through the door so you can jump out with your friends and yell, “Surprise!” Or have you ever felt the thrill of finding a crumpled up twenty dollar bill in your pocket? Or the sudden conviction that today will be a good day because you won five dollars on a scratch off lottery ticker? All of these things feel great.
But why? Without getting too complicated, lets put it like this. Scientists have found that when something happens that you see as good, your brain releases a “feel good” chemical. Dopamine. And when this chemical is released, everything feels better. You’re smiling, laughing, having a good time.
However, scientists found something else just as interesting. When something good happens that you expect to happen, well, you only get a little dopamine. Eventually, if this same good thing keeps happening, you get none. That thing has become “expected,” “run of the mill,” “ordinary.”
And just as fascinating, when something good happens that was NOT expected, your brain releases a lot more dopamine. So in effect, when something really good happens to you that you didn’t expect, you basically get high as a kite.
So now, keeping this in mind, lets look at sports. You pick your football team, make an emotional investment in them, and then watch the game with high hopes.
The game begins. Nothing much happens. Two good defenses reduce the game to nothing but three and outs. Time drags on. You sip a beer and fill your time with idle chatter, stating your opinions-
BAM!
Interception.
Your star cornerback intercepts the ball and starts streaking across the field. You quit talking and half jump out of your Lazy boy recliner. Your heart is in your chest as he runs to the forty-
the thirty-
the twenty-
your eyes dilate, time slows-
he… could… go… ALL… THE… WAAAYYY!
TOUCHDOWN!
You go bonkers. You’re smiling, laughing, jumping
