Hedonic Adaptation

I first came across this term called "Hedonic Adaptation" in an article called "If it makes you happy" in one of my previous blog entry on happiness.

Hedonic Adaptation means we are very good at quickly assimilating our current position, and then judging it as normal, hence only changes from our “normal” level get noticed.

The more I think about it, the more this theory strikes me. Humans are very good at adapting to their environment, so much so that things become the "norm" after a period of time. Take for example that new gadget you are having, or that new car that you have been driving for the past year or two, or that new relationship that you have started. After a while, things become the "norm" and you start expecting more, otherwise, you will be bored (a.k.a. Sianz).

On a more macro level, this simple concept is one of the drivers of the economy, especially retail. It is the probably the reason why you are eyeing that new mobile phone or handbag, or why you are bidding on that watch on eBay right now ...

Here are some other blogger's views on similar topics:

• Meme Agora
• Julie Leung