Addiction Society in the Perspective of Cultural Evolution

Abstract

Objectives ： Although South Korea has achieved a high level of economic growth, addiction is becoming more prevalent in communities. In the 21st century, behavioral addiction is spreading quickly as well as substance addiction. Especially since 2010, digital addiction such as the Internet, smartphones and games has been proliferating in society. The purpose of this paper was to explain why modern society has turned into an addiction society from the perspective of the cultural evolution. Methods ： The diverse literature in relation to cultural evolution addiction society were searched and reviewed. Results ： At first, how a culture occurred through shared intentionality and language in prehistoric times was discussed. Next, how cultural evolution has progressed from agricultural, scientific, to industrial revolution was addressed. Then, psychological mechanisms behind the cultural evolution were suggested in terms of anxiety and narcissism. Last, neurobiological mechanisms under addiction society were provided from the perspective of the left brain and dopamine. Conclusion : Considering the negative aspects of the addiction society, I hope that we would be aware of the authentic existence and live as one.