Due to having such a positive experience starting at DVC, I actually have noticed my depression and motivation has improved. This is what leads me to my critical question: how does dopamine influence learning? I feel like my brain was rewired and technically it has been. I have learned dopamine is released by the brain by not just the “feel good” moments, but actually in less enjoyable situations as well. 

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1. Have you noticed patterns in how dopamine issues show up in different age groups?

2. How does dopamine influence motivation in an individual?

3. How does dopamine affect the brain process of memorization?

4. Do you think social media or tech is messing with people's dopamine noticeably? Are there any myths about dopamine that your hear a lot that just aren't true?

5. Does a lack of dopamine impair an individual's ability to learn?

I was set up to interview two internal medicine doctors, but unfortunately only got the chance to interview one. The ideal person to interview for my critical question would be a psychiatrist or neurologist but I did not have access to either, so I did the best I could. The doctor I interviewed also unfortunately rushed the interview so I do not feel like I got as thorough answers that I needed. After conducting the interview I concluded, even from a doctor who does not specialize in the brain, dopamine levels affect the brain in many different ways. Excess amounts of dopamine of can cause lack of motivation in some people diagnosed with neurological disease like Parkinson’s and schizophrenia. He also said dopamine releases can affect memorization with folks who suffer from substance abuse. One quote from the doctor was “these are really interesting questions and I wish I could give you more complex answers but I have not read all the research specifically pertaining to some of your questions”, which is disappointing but he still gave me some interesting information which are that facts I stated above.