Are there any neurobiologists here that could possibly explain why "new" things mostly trigger the hormones?
I'm certainly not a neurobiologist, but I have studied it some over the years out of curiosity and necessity. Polychron has since posted up some info and links (which I haven't checked out yet) which look potentially educational.
But a simple fact that I think a lot of people forget is that our brain is just another organ in our system, and like the rest of them, requires input (stimulation). This is kind of an oversimplification, I realize, but sometimes simple is best.
We are wired (physically and chemically) to seek some kind of fuel for growth. Brain food comes in a lot of flavors (sex, the whole endorphin/oxytocin cycle), new experiences, new sensations, etc. When we lack these we usually start to get "sick," just like other organs do if not furnished with the nutrients they require to be healthy. Such is the root of depression. psychosis, discontent, boredom, on and on. So it's perfectly natural that when we come into contact with someone/something that provides that nutrient (stimulation) we're drawn to it and want to absorb (experience) it. Pretty basic, really. How to not 'overdose' becomes the trick.
