My sister dislikes chocolate icecream

  • Thread starter Imparcticle
  • Start date
In summary, people's likes and dislikes are largely determined by their initial experiences and psychological reactions to a substance. While serotonin and dopamine may play a role, it is more about the pathways formed and psychological associations rather than a direct chemical reaction. Addiction is a result of the desire to recreate pleasurable experiences, rather than a predetermined like or dislike.
  • #1
Imparcticle
573
4
Consider this situation:
1.)I like chocolate icecream.
2.)My sister dislikes chocolate icecream, but prefers vanilla icecream.

I was wondering, why do people dislike or like something? Does one person get a stronger synaptic charge of seratonin (I hope that's the right neurotransmitter; if it isn't, I'm referring to one of or the one that deals with pleasure sensations. ) while the other person gets a lower charge? I am relating this to how addictions are contracted neurologically(such as those to drugs).
 
Biology news on Phys.org
  • #2
While serotonin is related to overall mood regulation, acute pleasure is more related to dopamine receptors (and since you mention addictions, CNS mu/kappa opiate receptors) where the chemicals released are endorphins and enkephalins.

This seems to be more of a result of the pathway formed with the initial exposures to a substance. Consider studies where rats injected with a nauseating agent after eating an otherwise beneficial food will always avoid that food in the future, even after only one incident. While the regulation system is far more complex, it would seem to operate under the same principal.
As for predetermined likes and dislikes, the best cause is likely similar substances. When dealing with addictions, you'd be hard to pressed to find someone who doesn't derive pleasure from dopamine reuptake inhibitors and opiate agonists who doesn't also have a very bothersome negative physical reaction either every time or the first few times... these are a consequence of the mind liking something or not; but not a cause. Addiction therefore is not a consequence of this, but a desire to recreate the high levels of pleasure chemicals. Physical addiction only happens after psychological addiction, and the vast majority of substances (like ice cream) never progress to physical addiction.
So the cause of dislikes is largely psychological, relating to the experiences around the initial exposure and other indirect opinions of the mind evolving from early situations involving the substance.
 
  • #3


It's interesting to think about why people have different preferences and tastes. While I can't speak for your sister, I can share my thoughts on why someone may dislike chocolate ice cream while another person may enjoy it.

Firstly, it's important to remember that taste is subjective and can be influenced by a variety of factors. These can include cultural upbringing, personal experiences, and even genetics. For example, if your sister had a negative experience with chocolate ice cream in the past, it may have impacted her preference for it now.

Additionally, our taste preferences can also change over time. What someone may dislike now, they may enjoy in the future. This can be due to changes in our taste buds or our brain's response to certain foods.

As for the role of neurotransmitters like serotonin, it's possible that they may play a role in our liking or disliking of certain foods. However, it's important to note that there is no single neurotransmitter responsible for pleasure sensations. It's a complex interplay of various chemicals in our brain that contribute to our overall experience of pleasure.

In terms of addictions, it's a much more complicated and multifaceted issue than just neurotransmitter levels. While certain substances may trigger the release of pleasure-inducing chemicals in the brain, there are also psychological and environmental factors at play. It's not as simple as having a "stronger synaptic charge" for one substance compared to another.

In conclusion, there are many factors that can influence our taste preferences, and it's not just a matter of neurotransmitter levels. It's important to respect and accept that people have different tastes and preferences, and to not judge or make assumptions about someone based on their likes or dislikes.
 

1. Why does my sister dislike chocolate icecream?

There could be a variety of reasons why your sister dislikes chocolate icecream. It could be due to a past negative experience with the flavor, a dislike for the taste of chocolate, or simply a personal preference for other icecream flavors.

2. Is there a scientific reason behind my sister's dislike for chocolate icecream?

There is no specific scientific reason for why someone may dislike a certain food. Taste preferences are largely influenced by individual genetics, past experiences, and cultural influences.

3. Can my sister's dislike for chocolate icecream change over time?

Yes, taste preferences can change over time as a person's taste buds and brain develop. It is also possible for someone to learn to like a food they previously disliked through repeated exposure and positive associations.

4. Is it possible for my sister to have a genetic aversion to chocolate icecream?

While there is no known genetic aversion specifically to chocolate icecream, there is evidence that genetics can play a role in taste preferences. Some people may have a heightened sensitivity to certain tastes, including bitterness which is present in chocolate.

5. How can I convince my sister to try chocolate icecream again?

Ultimately, it is up to your sister to decide which foods she wants to try and enjoy. However, you could try introducing her to different types of chocolate icecream or pairing it with other flavors she likes to see if she may enjoy it in a different form.

Similar threads

Replies
4
Views
2K
  • STEM Academic Advising
Replies
3
Views
793
  • Biology and Medical
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • Biology and Medical
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • STEM Academic Advising
Replies
7
Views
870
  • General Discussion
Replies
11
Views
1K
  • Biology and Medical
Replies
2
Views
4K
Replies
1
Views
850
  • General Discussion
Replies
15
Views
2K
  • STEM Career Guidance
Replies
5
Views
2K
Back
Top