Cultural Shift Towards Instant Gratification
What is one technological advancement that has significantly contributed to the cultural shift toward instant gratification?
Smartphones
Who conducted the famous Marshmallow Experiment that explored delayed gratification?
Walter Mischel
What correlation did Mischel's follow-up study reveal about the Marshmallow Test participants and their SAT scores?
Children who delayed gratification longer tended to have higher SAT scores later in life.
What psychological chemical is released when we receive likes, notifications or comments on social media?
Dopamine
What is the definition of "Burn-Out"?
A state of complete mental, physical, and emotional exhaustion
What are apps that are made to offer short content bursts, making it simple to scroll endlessly for instant gratification?
Tik Tok and Instagram Reels
Ture or False: Delayed gratification is always beneficial and has no downsides
False; excessive focus on delayed gratification can lead to burnout or denying oneself present enjoyment.
What type of distraction is most responsible for pulling students away from completing homework or studying?
Social media and easily accessible technology
Spending time on social media often reduces what, making it harder for people to focus on tasks for extended periods?
Attention Span
What does "FOMO" stand for, and how is it linked to instant gratification?
Fear of Missing Out; it is linked to the constant stimulation and comparison fostered by social media.
Which two services are examples of fast delivery systems that have changed people's expectations for immediacy?
DoorDash and Amazon Prime
What is the definition of delayed gratification?
The act of resisting an immediate reward in favor of a more valued reward in the future.
What is one negative effect of prioritizing instant gratification in learning for students?
Procrastination, leading to cramming, poor quality work, or reliance on AI tools for assignments.
The constant need/craving for quick feedback, validation and responses on social media
Immediate Feedback Loop
What are three main effects of instant gratification on teenage morale or mental health?
1. Anxiety and Restlessness
2. The Dopamine Loop and Addiction
3. Reduced Resilience and Emotional Regulation
In a 2022 report by McKinsey & Company found that most consumers expect their orders to arrive within how long?
Under 30 Minutes
What financial problem is commonly linked to an inability to delay gratification?
Overspending or compulsive shopping, often leading to unmanageable debt.
What term describes the trend of wanting to quickly learn skills with minimal effort, such as headlines like "Learn Mandarin in 10 Minutes a Day"?
Instant gratification learning.
Features like “seen” or “last active” on social media can cause users to develop a sense of what in their relationships?
Insecurity, Mistrust, Doubt
What percentage of students report performing above average with higher school spirit?
75%
What percentage of College students in the US say they have used AI or similar tools?
43%
Name one way delayed gratification contributes to happiness.
It helps individuals focus on long-term goals and meaningful activities, leading to greater life satisfaction and deeper relationships.
What are the long-term consequences of instant gratification on students’ academic abilities?
Children who delayed gratification longer tended to have higher SAT scores later in life.
The constant flow of new content encourages this behavior, which leads users to crave the continuous dopamine release.
The Scrolling Habit
How does fostering school spirit counteract the effects of instant gratification on teenage morale?
School spirit boosts self-esteem, promotes positive engagement between students and teachers, and helps students invest in their school community rather than their online lives.