Is romantic love a chemical hijacking of the human brain?
In short: We describe falling in love as a whimsical, almost magical experience of walking on air. Yet, science suggests it might be a complex interplay of hormones, pheromones, and bonding chemicals. Are we experiencing a profound human universal, or are we simply victims of our own neural processes?
The experience of romantic love is characterized by a distinct pattern of physiological and behavioral changes that often feel beyond rational control. These include increased energy, elation, pounding hearts, sweaty palms, sleeplessness, and a loss of appetite. While it is often associated with sexual desire, the primary driver in romantic love is frequently the need for emotional and physical contact, often accompanied by intense possessive jealousy and separation anxiety.
Research suggests that romantic love is a near-universal human experience, appearing in virtually every culture. However, its social perception varies wildly. In some societies, particularly those favoring arranged marriages, love is viewed with suspicion as an irrational or disruptive force. Some skeptics even dismiss it as a mere excuse for transitioning between relationships, contrasting with the 'Hollywood model' where love and marriage are inextricably linked.
The intensity of this emotion is underscored by its impact on behavior; for instance, love is noted as a stronger motive than sex, as few people commit suicide due to sexual frustration alone. Experimental studies have shown that a degree of love can be generated in a laboratory setting simply by having strangers gaze into each other's eyes while exchanging intimate details. When combined with environmental cues like soft lights and music, these interactions mimic the dynamics of a first date or a singles bar.
By investigating the evolutionary roots and adaptive significance of 'falling in love', Professor Glenn Wilson probes these interactions. The presentation aims to gauge how much human beings are governed by their internal brain chemistry by linking pheromone and bonding chemical reactions to actual feelings of arousal. It frames love not just as a feeling, but as a biological mechanism with specific evolutionary purposes.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: What is this thing called "love"? - Professor Glenn D. Wilson
- Also: What is this thing called “love”?
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