Hedonic Adaptation

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Hedonic adaptation refers to the phenomenon where the happiness and sadness resulted from significant life changes gradually fade over time, and the initially intense emotions return to an average level. I first learned this psychological concept from a poster in the restroom “Learning on the Loo!” when I just started working at Google (a.k.a Noogler). I didn’t pay much attention initially. It was only after a few months that I learned it was Google’s way of saying to the Nooglers, “You just joined and feel happy to be at Google now—remember the feeling and maintain that mindset!” As time passed, the free meals became boring, the specially brewed coffee seemed less impressive compared to Starbucks, and the snacks in the break room lost their novelty. I know! It is ungrateful of me, but I believe thing is a shared feeling among Nooglers known as “hedonic adaptation.” When we become accustomed to daily comforts, we no longer perceive them as sources of happiness; instead, we take them for granted. Perhaps this explains why people often feel like they never have enough money—what used to be considered luxurious spending becomes mundane due to hedonic adaptation. Even with a significantly increased salary after joining Google, I feel I need more knowing that everyone surrounded me have salaries at a similar level or even higher.

When we become accustomed to daily comforts, we no longer perceive them as sources of happiness; instead, we take them for granted

This reminds me of a joke: There was a compassionate elderly person who always gave a dollar to a beggar outside the supermarket. After a while, the elderly person suddenly stopped giving. When the beggar asked why, the elderly person explained that they needed to save money for their daughter’s wedding. The beggar, enraged, slapped the elderly person and said, “How dare you give away my money!” Fine, this joke might not be that funny, but I think it perfectly illustrates the concept of hedonic adaptation. The beggar had become accustomed to receiving money daily, treating that one dollar as a given rather than a source of joy or gratitude. When that dollar was taken away, the beggar felt even worse than before he has nothing. Google’s “Learning on the Loo!” reminds Nooglers to appreciate their initial excitement and maintain a sense of gratitude, resisting the effects of hedonic adaptation.

However, from a different perspective, hedonic adaptation isn’t entirely negative. Our lack of contentment drives us to keep striving for more. Feeling like we never have enough money motivates us to work harder and find ways to earn more. The key is to balance this drive with periodic reminders of this hedonic adaptation: if you ever lose that one dollar, remind yourself of your humble beginning, pat yourself on the back, and say, “You’ve done well!”