The Reason Why The 2048 Is So Addicting

Like Bejeweled, Candy Crush, and countless puzzle games before it, it's consumed hours, days, months of our time. It's more than just sliding numbers of blocks into easy sums. Each 2048 game session can be described as a fierce struggle for space, a Zen practice when playing solo or with a partner, and a full-on war when .

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But we can't stop. Judy Willis, a neurologist and adjunct faculty participant at the Graduate School of Education at University of California, Santa Barbara She explains the neurology behind our 2048 addiction.

It's All About the Dopamine

In terms of neurotransmitters, dopamine is one of the most famous. It transfers information through your nervous system on a daily basis. When it builds up the brain is in hyperdrive. Willis states that dopamine is one the most powerful neurochemicals (and addictive drugs) that we've ever heard of.

Dopamine increases pleasure, perseverance, and decreases stress. Dopamine can be increased by winning a bet, having a successful work experience or by using cocaine. The dopamine-driven mix of enjoyment and determination is what drives athletes to perform harder. However, it's the reason that drug addicts are drawn to addiction.

The same goes for 2048. "Games like 2048 offer players two of the biggest dopamine boosters" Willis says, which are:

1. The power of prediction: "The brain loves to make predictions," Willis says. "In 2048, every 2 or 4 you make is the equivalent of a prediction. You don't know what's right to do but the game provides you an endless opportunity to make another prediction.

Willis refers to studies carried out by James Paul Gee, which have shown that predictions still give you a boost of dopamine at an 80 percent fail rate. That is, even if you mess up your 2048 scoreboard eight times out of ten the brain will insist that you continue playing.

Dopamine's effects allow you to remain at peace even when you don't reach 2048. Willis says that, instead of feeling anxious, the brain feels so relaxed it won't stop.

2. An achievable task: If a sport is too easy or hard, dopamine levels stagnate. Willis declares that a demanding game online must be attainable but not unattainable to get the best boost. "'Achievable challenge' are the key phrases," she says. "That's the thing that will give you the most dopamine rush."

Those of you who have reached 2048 (by luck) are aware that this desired target can be both challenging and feasible. Which means that we can't be at work or in bed until we've achieved it again. Willis says, "It's so satisfying to beat adversity that you continue to play,"

Your Daily (or Hourly!) 2048 Fix

Addiction to video games is real however there are huge distinctions between a diehard and an addict. Willis claims that people who are addicted to video games feel their feelings so intense that they are unable to do other things in their lives. It's not gotten to that level in our situation. Yet.

The productivity of our office has dropped by 20 percent in the last 2048. At least, according to Willis she believes it's natural. "The frequent surge of dopamine that results from combining 16s into a 32 leads to the desire to not work," she says. "Because you never know what the future holds--you may be better the next time."