Humans enjoy taking risks. Some of us get a rush jumping out of a plane (hopefully with a parachute) while others like to take their chances playing the lottery.
Regardless of how big or small a risktaker a person may be, the reality is that all of us – to some degree – take chances, even when failure is a possibility.
But why? What drives us to take risks?
Is it something we crave?
Is it something we can’t resist?
Is it a natural part of who we are?
The truth is the psychology of risk shows it’s all that and more.
Why Do We Like To Take Risks?
It’s Evolution, Not Just Boredom
Risk taking is a natural part of being human. It’s been rooted deep in our DNA since the dawn of our existence because it’s a key factor of our survival. Risk drove us to hunt dangerous animals, try unfamiliar food sources, explore unknown territories, develop new skills, etc.
All these risks were taken because of the possibility of reward. While not every gamble turned out well, the risks that did resulted in gaining resources that allowed humans to thrive and pass on their genes. Taking risks is how our species has not only survived but has innovatively evolved over millennia.
Nowadays, while most of us don’t need to take risks for survival, instinctually we’re hardwired to seek out certain dangers. Risk is a fundamental part of human nature, and it makes us feel alive.
We Love Adrenaline And Crave The Dopamine Hit
Whether it’s something we know is dangerous or something we perceive as safe, taking risks gets our blood pumping. Risk gives us a rush of adrenaline. It speeds up our heartrate, sharpens our senses, and ignites feelings of excitement or fear.
On top of the thrill from adrenaline, risk activates our brain’s reward system. Specifically, it lights up our dopamine (feel-good hormone) pathways. When we anticipate a reward, we get a neurochemical rush, with some of us experiencing higher dopamine surges in the face of uncertainty.
In fact, craving this dopamine hit is why gambling has remained popular for centuries and continues to evolve with different forms of entertainment to suit the preferences of different types or risk takers. For instance, crash games are one of the latest high risk-high reward crazes to take the iGaming world by storm. Curious what that’s all about? Click here to view an online casino that offers crash games.
Some Of Us Are Sensation-Seekers
Not all humans prefer unpredictability. Few of us are keen on diving into the unknown, but those who get a charge from it do so because to them its necessary.
Psychologists use the term “Sensation Seeking” (based on the Sensation Seeking Scale developed by Marvin Zuckerman) to define individuals who tend to pursue fresh and intense sensations, feelings, and experiences.
Also known as thrill seeking or excitement seeking behaviour, sensation seeking drives people to seek out new extremes to breakaway from everyday routines or boredom. This may be extreme activities, adventuring to new places, or making spontaneous decisions. In their mind, the thrill outweighs the risk. Although such individuals can contribute to creativity and innovation in society, some are addicted to risk.
Some Of Us Are Addicted To It
Taking risks might be a natural part of human evolution, but that doesn’t mean that all risk taking is healthy. Certain people experience higher dopamine surges when faced with uncertainty, making them more inclined (or even compelled) to seek out risky situations compared to others.
Such individuals can develop an unhealthy appetite for risk, which can lead to dangerous behaviours and self-destructive patterns.
For instance, reckless driving, compulsive gambling, free soloing, and hazardous investments are all examples of extreme risks with massive adrenaline rush, but that can result in permanent harm (or in some cases be fatal) to the individual and/or others.
Risk-taking— bottom line, it’s in our DNA
Humans aren’t carbon copies of one another, and that includes our tendency toward taking risks. Some of us prefer higher and more frequent risk taking, while others are happier with lower and more predictable probabilities.
Regardless of a person’s risk threshold, most of us are curious to some degree and desire sensations and experiences we find exciting.
Risk is and always will be a natural part of who we are. As humans go on, risk will continue to be a key part of what drives our evolution, and what helps us learn when a chance is worth taking or when it’s smarter to walk away.
