We've had TV for decades. Postman wrote "Amusing Ourselves to Death" in the 80s.

We've always been addicted to dopamine and we were always getting it in the easiest way possible.

TV wasn't as engrossing when there were only three channels. Fewer people would be full time couch potatoes. Cable's growth in the 80s changed how society allocated their leisure time on passive activities.

True, but what you mentioned involves active participation, creation and social interaction. Sitting around scrolling on TikTok feels more like empty calories.

> People used to get dopamine hits from writing code that works, fixing cars, climbing mountains, playing music, and asking other people out on dates.

Those all sound vastly more positive both on a personal and societal level vs getting dopamine from your phone