“This checking habit was inflamed by the phenomenon of “intermittent reinforcement.” **Usually my email isn’t very rewarding, but occasionally—­and I never know when—­I get an email that’s great**. This kind of unpredictable, variable, instantaneous reinforcement is the hallmark of many powerfully habit-­forming actions, such as playing slot machines. Checking is also rewarding because it offers the possibility of resolution, which people crave—­I get replies to my emails, I learn the definition for “claustral,” I see that 150 people commented on my post. And that feels good.” --- **Tags** -- [[quotes]], [[02. Publish/02.01spade.fish/Tags/sciences/psychology/intermittent-reinforcement]], [[bad-habits]] , [[discipline]] , [[mindfulness]] , [[02. Publish/02.01spade.fish/Tags/life-skills/mental-models/intermittent-reinforcement]] **Source** -- [[20240806084000 - B - Better Than Before]]