The Dopamine Trap: Why Your Brain Hates Solo/Group TTRPGs (and How to Fix It)

How to Reclaim Your Brain from Social Media and Actually Enjoy TTRPGs Again

Hey there, adventurers! Today, I’m stepping a little outside my usual TTRPG-focused content to talk about something that’s been weighing on me lately. It’s a bit personal, a bit philosophical, and—spoiler alert—it’s all about how our tech-obsessed world is messing with our ability to enjoy things like solo TTRPGs. Buckle up, because this is going to get real.

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Created by Emiel Boven under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International

The Age of Instant Gratification

Let’s face it: our society is evolving at warp speed. The internet, smartphones, AI—stuff that would’ve been considered magic a few decades ago is now just… Tuesday. As a software engineer, I’m constantly amazed (and occasionally terrified) by how fast technology is advancing. But here’s the kicker: in our capitalist world, everything is monetized—including our attention.

Big corporations are spending millions to perfect algorithms that keep us glued to their platforms. Social media, streaming services, apps—they’re all fighting for your eyeballs. And they’re winning. Why? Because they’ve mastered the art of instant gratification. Dopamine hits are just a scroll, tap, or click away.

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Smartphones: The Ultimate Double-Edged Sword

Let’s talk about smartphones. These little rectangles of doom have become so essential that it’s hard to imagine life without them. Remember when we used to navigate with maps made of paper? Or when we actually wrote letters? (You know, those pieces of paper with words that went inside envelopes?)

Now, we’ve got everything at our fingertips: communication, entertainment, even our sense of direction (thanks, Google Maps). But this convenience comes at a cost. Younger generations are losing essential skills because they’ve never had to develop them. Why learn to navigate when your phone can do it for you? Why memorize anything when you can just Google it?

And let’s not even get started on entertainment. Netflix, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram—they’re all designed to keep you hooked. The result? We’re drowning in a sea of endless content, and our brains are loving it.

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The Brain’s Scary Adaptability

What scares me the most is how quickly our brains have adapted to this constant stimulation. We’ve become addicted to the dopamine rush that comes with every notification, like, or viral video. I’ve even heard of kids who text more than they talk face-to-face. It’s wild.

But here’s the thing: this constant stimulation is making it harder for us to enjoy slower, more deliberate activities—like reading a book or playing a solo TTRPG. Why? Because our brains are now wired for instant rewards.

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The Death of Boredom (and Why We Need It Back)

Remember boredom? That thing we used to complain about as kids? Yeah, it’s practically extinct. These days, there’s always something to watch, scroll, or click. And while that might sound great, it’s actually a problem.

Boredom is essential. It’s where creativity happens. It’s where we reflect, imagine, and innovate. But in a world of endless entertainment, we’ve lost the ability to just… sit with our thoughts. And that’s bad news for hobbies like TTRPGs, which require focus, creativity, and patience.

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The TTRPG Connection

If you’ve ever struggled to enjoy a solo TTRPG session, this might be why. Your brain is so used to the constant dopamine hits from social media and streaming services that a slower, more thoughtful activity like TTRPGs can feel… boring.

But here’s the good news: you can fix it. It starts with a reset. Try going a few days without your smartphone (or at least limit your use as much as possible). This isn’t just a one-time thing—it’s about building new habits. Let yourself get bored. Let your brain reset.

When you do, you’ll find that activities like reading, drawing, or playing TTRPGs become much more engaging. Why? Because your brain will start craving creativity instead of consumption.

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Why Boredom is Your Secret Weapon

Boredom isn’t the enemy—it’s the gateway to creativity. It’s what allows you to think deeply, imagine wildly, and appreciate the little things. And let’s be honest: solo TTRPGs are all about creativity. Whether you’re crafting a world, roleplaying a character, or rolling dice, you need that creative spark.

So, my fellow adventurers, I challenge you to embrace boredom. Put down your phone. Let your mind wander. And when you pick up your dice, you’ll find that your sessions are richer, more immersive, and way more fun.

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Final Thoughts

I’m not saying smartphones are evil (okay, maybe a little). But I am saying that we need to be mindful of how we use them. Life is about balance, and if one part of your life is out of whack, the rest will suffer—including your hobbies.

So, take a break from the endless scroll. Let yourself get bored. And when you do, pick up your dice and dive into a solo TTRPG session. Trust me, your brain (and your inner DM) will thank you.

Now go forth and roll some dice—just don’t check your phone mid-session. Until next time, and remember, keep your blades sharp and your shields up!

-Mirokus (Codex Gigas)