Body Atlas

Emotion, Drive and Control · Brain

Why is checking my phone so compelling?

The reward system drives seeking more than enjoying.

The simple answer

Your brain has a system that decides what's worth pursuing. It's often called the pleasure system, and that's the wrong name — it's better understood as the wanting system.

Go deeper

There's more: the reward system drives seeking more than enjoying. The full explanation — and the interactive version you can tap and quiz yourself on — lives in the app.

Explore this concept in Body Atlas →

Body Atlas is an educational product. It does not provide diagnosis, treatment, or personal medical advice. · Privacy