Instant gratification

Type: Concept

As of November 2026, Instant gratification has been mentioned in 2 episodes across 2 podcasts, first heard Oct 2025 on HUBERMAN LAB. Instant gratification is blamed for dopamine-chasing behaviors (scrolling, substances, impulsive spending) and for undermining long-term happiness. It is tied to algorithmic…

Delayed gratification, or deferred gratification, is the ability to resist the temptation of an immediate reward in favor of a more valuable and long-lasting reward later. It involves forgoing a smaller, immediate pleasure to achieve a larger or more enduring benefit in the future. A growing body of literature has linked the ability to delay gratification to a host of other positive outcomes, including academic success, physical health, psychological health, and social competence.