Dopamine and Endorphins: A Study of Speed in Fashion as a Mechanism of Desire

Zhang Yizhou

doi:doi:10.11648/j.ash.20241004.13

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Dopamine and Endorphins: A Study of Speed in Fashion as a Mechanism of Desire

Zhang Yizhou^*

Published in Advances in Sciences and Humanities (Volume 10, Issue 4)

Received: 21 October 2024 Accepted: 4 November 2024 Published: 13 November 2024

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Abstract

This study delves into the contrasting mechanisms of fast fashion and slow fashion, examining how they operate as expressions of human desire driven by distinct neurological and philosophical underpinnings. Fast fashion, fueled by rapid production cycles and the influence of technology and capital, leverages dopamine-driven mechanisms to provide instant gratification. This model aligns with the short-term reward system, reinforcing consumer behaviors that lead to continuous purchases and cyclical consumption. However, this pursuit often results in environmental degradation, resource overuse, and psychological exhaustion among consumers. In contrast, slow fashion embodies a counter-narrative that emphasizes quality, sustainability, and long-term satisfaction, aligning with the endorphin-driven mechanisms. These endorphins, associated with deeper emotional fulfillment and resilience through challenges, promote a reflective, meaningful consumer experience. The philosophical analysis incorporates Schopenhauer’s concept of insatiable will, paralleling the endless desire perpetuated by fast fashion, and Nietzsche’s idea of the will to power, suggesting slow fashion as a creative and life-affirming response that embraces challenge and meaning. Ultimately, the article argues that while both fast and slow fashion engage human desire mechanisms, their impacts differ vastly in terms of sustainability, psychological well-being, and existential fulfillment. The study calls for a broader exploration of how technology, culture, and ethical considerations can reshape fashion consumption toward more sustainable and emotionally satisfying practices.

Published in	Advances in Sciences and Humanities (Volume 10, Issue 4)
DOI	10.11648/j.ash.20241004.13
Page(s)	79-87
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2024. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Fast Fashion, Slow Fashion, Will to Live, Dopamine, Endorphin

References

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[2]	Rifkin, J. (2000). The Age of Access: The New Culture of Hypercapitalism, Where All of Life Is a Paid-for Experience. Penguin Books.
[3]	Tokatli, N. (2008). Global sourcing: insights from the global clothing industry—the case of Zara, a fast fashion retailer. Journal of Economic Geography, 8(1), 21-38.
[4]	Volkow, N. D., Wang, G.-J Fowler, J. S., & Telang, F. (2012). Addiction: Beyond dopamine reward circuitry. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 108(37), 15037-15042.
[5]	Bick, R., Halsey, E., & Ekenga, C. C. (2018). The global environmental injustice of fast fashion. Environmental Health, 17(1), 1-4.
[6]	Cabanac, M. (2002). What is emotion? Behavioural Processes, 60(2), 69-83.
[7]	Fletcher, K. (2008). Sustainable Fashion and Textiles: Design Journeys. Earthscan.
[8]	Panksepp, J. (1998). Affective Neuroscience: The Foundations of Human and Animal Emotions. Oxford University Press.
[9]	Schultz, W. (1998). Predictive reward signal of dopamine neurons. Journal of Neurophysiology, 80(1), 1-27.
[10]	Berridge, K. C., & Robinson, T. E. (1998). What is the Role of Dopamine in Reward: Hedonic Impact, Reward Learning, or Incentive Salience? Brain Research Reviews, 28(3), 309-369.
[11]	Schopenhauer, A. (1818). The World as Will and Representation. Volume I.
[12]	Schopenhauer, A. (1844). The World as Will and Representation. Volume II.
[13]	Young, J. (2005). Schopenhauer and the Aesthetic Standpoint. British Journal of Aesthetics, 45(3), 248-262.
[14]	Bickle, J. (2013). The Oxford Handbook of Philosophy of Neuroscience. Oxford University Press.
[15]	Nietzsche, F. (1886). Beyond Good and Evil. Trans. W. Kaufmann, Vintage Books, 1966, pp. 201-215.
[16]	Nietzsche, F. (1883-1885). Thus Spoke Zarathustra. Trans. W. Kaufmann, Penguin Classics, 1978, pp. 124-130.
[17]	Nietzsche, F. (1872). The Birth of Tragedy. Trans. W. Kaufmann, Random House, 1967, pp. 33-45.

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APA Style

Yizhou, Z. (2024). Dopamine and Endorphins: A Study of Speed in Fashion as a Mechanism of Desire. Advances in Sciences and Humanities, 10(4), 79-87. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ash.20241004.13

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ACS Style

Yizhou, Z. Dopamine and Endorphins: A Study of Speed in Fashion as a Mechanism of Desire. Adv. Sci. Humanit. 2024, 10(4), 79-87. doi: 10.11648/j.ash.20241004.13

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AMA Style

Yizhou Z. Dopamine and Endorphins: A Study of Speed in Fashion as a Mechanism of Desire. Adv Sci Humanit. 2024;10(4):79-87. doi: 10.11648/j.ash.20241004.13

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@article{10.11648/j.ash.20241004.13,
  author = {Zhang Yizhou},
  title = {Dopamine and Endorphins: A Study of Speed in Fashion as a Mechanism of Desire
},
  journal = {Advances in Sciences and Humanities},
  volume = {10},
  number = {4},
  pages = {79-87},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ash.20241004.13},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ash.20241004.13},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ash.20241004.13},
  abstract = {This study delves into the contrasting mechanisms of fast fashion and slow fashion, examining how they operate as expressions of human desire driven by distinct neurological and philosophical underpinnings. Fast fashion, fueled by rapid production cycles and the influence of technology and capital, leverages dopamine-driven mechanisms to provide instant gratification. This model aligns with the short-term reward system, reinforcing consumer behaviors that lead to continuous purchases and cyclical consumption. However, this pursuit often results in environmental degradation, resource overuse, and psychological exhaustion among consumers. In contrast, slow fashion embodies a counter-narrative that emphasizes quality, sustainability, and long-term satisfaction, aligning with the endorphin-driven mechanisms. These endorphins, associated with deeper emotional fulfillment and resilience through challenges, promote a reflective, meaningful consumer experience. The philosophical analysis incorporates Schopenhauer’s concept of insatiable will, paralleling the endless desire perpetuated by fast fashion, and Nietzsche’s idea of the will to power, suggesting slow fashion as a creative and life-affirming response that embraces challenge and meaning. Ultimately, the article argues that while both fast and slow fashion engage human desire mechanisms, their impacts differ vastly in terms of sustainability, psychological well-being, and existential fulfillment. The study calls for a broader exploration of how technology, culture, and ethical considerations can reshape fashion consumption toward more sustainable and emotionally satisfying practices.
},
 year = {2024}
}

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TY  - JOUR
T1  - Dopamine and Endorphins: A Study of Speed in Fashion as a Mechanism of Desire

AU  - Zhang Yizhou
Y1  - 2024/11/13
PY  - 2024
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ash.20241004.13
DO  - 10.11648/j.ash.20241004.13
T2  - Advances in Sciences and Humanities
JF  - Advances in Sciences and Humanities
JO  - Advances in Sciences and Humanities
SP  - 79
EP  - 87
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2472-0984
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ash.20241004.13
AB  - This study delves into the contrasting mechanisms of fast fashion and slow fashion, examining how they operate as expressions of human desire driven by distinct neurological and philosophical underpinnings. Fast fashion, fueled by rapid production cycles and the influence of technology and capital, leverages dopamine-driven mechanisms to provide instant gratification. This model aligns with the short-term reward system, reinforcing consumer behaviors that lead to continuous purchases and cyclical consumption. However, this pursuit often results in environmental degradation, resource overuse, and psychological exhaustion among consumers. In contrast, slow fashion embodies a counter-narrative that emphasizes quality, sustainability, and long-term satisfaction, aligning with the endorphin-driven mechanisms. These endorphins, associated with deeper emotional fulfillment and resilience through challenges, promote a reflective, meaningful consumer experience. The philosophical analysis incorporates Schopenhauer’s concept of insatiable will, paralleling the endless desire perpetuated by fast fashion, and Nietzsche’s idea of the will to power, suggesting slow fashion as a creative and life-affirming response that embraces challenge and meaning. Ultimately, the article argues that while both fast and slow fashion engage human desire mechanisms, their impacts differ vastly in terms of sustainability, psychological well-being, and existential fulfillment. The study calls for a broader exploration of how technology, culture, and ethical considerations can reshape fashion consumption toward more sustainable and emotionally satisfying practices.

VL  - 10
IS  - 4
ER  -

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Author Information

Zhang Yizhou

School of Culture Communication and Design, Zhejiang University of Finance and Economics Dongfang College, Hangzhou, China

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Plain Text BibTeX RIS

APA Style

Yizhou, Z. (2024). Dopamine and Endorphins: A Study of Speed in Fashion as a Mechanism of Desire. Advances in Sciences and Humanities, 10(4), 79-87. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ash.20241004.13

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ACS Style

Yizhou, Z. Dopamine and Endorphins: A Study of Speed in Fashion as a Mechanism of Desire. Adv. Sci. Humanit. 2024, 10(4), 79-87. doi: 10.11648/j.ash.20241004.13

Copy | Download

AMA Style

Yizhou Z. Dopamine and Endorphins: A Study of Speed in Fashion as a Mechanism of Desire. Adv Sci Humanit. 2024;10(4):79-87. doi: 10.11648/j.ash.20241004.13

Copy | Download

@article{10.11648/j.ash.20241004.13,
  author = {Zhang Yizhou},
  title = {Dopamine and Endorphins: A Study of Speed in Fashion as a Mechanism of Desire
},
  journal = {Advances in Sciences and Humanities},
  volume = {10},
  number = {4},
  pages = {79-87},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ash.20241004.13},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ash.20241004.13},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ash.20241004.13},
  abstract = {This study delves into the contrasting mechanisms of fast fashion and slow fashion, examining how they operate as expressions of human desire driven by distinct neurological and philosophical underpinnings. Fast fashion, fueled by rapid production cycles and the influence of technology and capital, leverages dopamine-driven mechanisms to provide instant gratification. This model aligns with the short-term reward system, reinforcing consumer behaviors that lead to continuous purchases and cyclical consumption. However, this pursuit often results in environmental degradation, resource overuse, and psychological exhaustion among consumers. In contrast, slow fashion embodies a counter-narrative that emphasizes quality, sustainability, and long-term satisfaction, aligning with the endorphin-driven mechanisms. These endorphins, associated with deeper emotional fulfillment and resilience through challenges, promote a reflective, meaningful consumer experience. The philosophical analysis incorporates Schopenhauer’s concept of insatiable will, paralleling the endless desire perpetuated by fast fashion, and Nietzsche’s idea of the will to power, suggesting slow fashion as a creative and life-affirming response that embraces challenge and meaning. Ultimately, the article argues that while both fast and slow fashion engage human desire mechanisms, their impacts differ vastly in terms of sustainability, psychological well-being, and existential fulfillment. The study calls for a broader exploration of how technology, culture, and ethical considerations can reshape fashion consumption toward more sustainable and emotionally satisfying practices.
},
 year = {2024}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - Dopamine and Endorphins: A Study of Speed in Fashion as a Mechanism of Desire

AU  - Zhang Yizhou
Y1  - 2024/11/13
PY  - 2024
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ash.20241004.13
DO  - 10.11648/j.ash.20241004.13
T2  - Advances in Sciences and Humanities
JF  - Advances in Sciences and Humanities
JO  - Advances in Sciences and Humanities
SP  - 79
EP  - 87
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2472-0984
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ash.20241004.13
AB  - This study delves into the contrasting mechanisms of fast fashion and slow fashion, examining how they operate as expressions of human desire driven by distinct neurological and philosophical underpinnings. Fast fashion, fueled by rapid production cycles and the influence of technology and capital, leverages dopamine-driven mechanisms to provide instant gratification. This model aligns with the short-term reward system, reinforcing consumer behaviors that lead to continuous purchases and cyclical consumption. However, this pursuit often results in environmental degradation, resource overuse, and psychological exhaustion among consumers. In contrast, slow fashion embodies a counter-narrative that emphasizes quality, sustainability, and long-term satisfaction, aligning with the endorphin-driven mechanisms. These endorphins, associated with deeper emotional fulfillment and resilience through challenges, promote a reflective, meaningful consumer experience. The philosophical analysis incorporates Schopenhauer’s concept of insatiable will, paralleling the endless desire perpetuated by fast fashion, and Nietzsche’s idea of the will to power, suggesting slow fashion as a creative and life-affirming response that embraces challenge and meaning. Ultimately, the article argues that while both fast and slow fashion engage human desire mechanisms, their impacts differ vastly in terms of sustainability, psychological well-being, and existential fulfillment. The study calls for a broader exploration of how technology, culture, and ethical considerations can reshape fashion consumption toward more sustainable and emotionally satisfying practices.

VL  - 10
IS  - 4
ER  -

Copy | Download