The Unique Neurology of the Sports Fan’s Brain

The Unique Neurology of the Sports Fan’s Brain

9/8/2018

link

http://nautil.us/issue/39/sport/the-unique-neurology-of-the-sports-fans-brain

summary

This article delves into the unique neurology of sports fans and how their brains respond to the excitement and passion of sports. It explains that when fans watch sports, their brains release dopamine, a neurotransmitter that is associated with pleasure and reward. The article discusses how this neurochemical response can create a sense of euphoria and emotional attachment to teams and players. It also explores the role of mirror neurons in sports fandom, as these neurons enable fans to emotionally connect with athletes and experience their victories and defeats vicariously. The article further delves into the psychology of sports fans, including the tendency to identify with a team and engage in tribalistic behavior. Overall, it provides an intriguing insight into the neurological and psychological mechanisms behind the passion and fandom of sports.

tags

social bonding ꞏ sports-related memories ꞏ sports culture ꞏ sports performance ꞏ reward system ꞏ physiological responses ꞏ sensory integration ꞏ sports psychology ꞏ brain plasticity ꞏ sports cognition ꞏ sports enthusiasm ꞏ brain science ꞏ brain imaging ꞏ spectatorship ꞏ arousal levels ꞏ neural connectivity ꞏ psychology of sports ꞏ dopamine release ꞏ social interaction ꞏ sports fans ꞏ sports research ꞏ attentional processes ꞏ neural circuits ꞏ cognitive neuroscience ꞏ brain functions ꞏ competition ꞏ team loyalty ꞏ fan behavior ꞏ fan identity ꞏ sports emotions ꞏ sports analysis ꞏ cognitive processes ꞏ neural processes ꞏ neurology ꞏ sports management ꞏ human behavior ꞏ psychological impact ꞏ fan psychology ꞏ motivational factors ꞏ sensory processing ꞏ emotional responses ꞏ sports experience ꞏ decision making ꞏ sports entertainment