# Social Neuroscience

Specific neurons and neurotransmitters such as nor-epinephrine, trigger a 
state that can be described as having an 'active ego' when we feel that our 
own thoughts have to be protected from the influence of others. If we are 
then confronted with differences in opinion, the chemicals that are 
released in the brain are the same ones that try to ensure our survival in 
dangerous situations. Sometimes debates go on endlessly because people keep 
expressively resisting differences in opinion. When we're in a defensive 
state, the more primitive part of the brain interferes with our rational 
thinking and the limbic system can even knock out most of our working 
memory, physically causing narrow mindedness. We see this in the politics 
of fear, the strategy of poker players or simply when people feel defensive 
and stubborn in discussions. No matter how valuable an idea is, the brain 
has trouble processing it when it is in such a state. On a neural level, it 
reacts as if our life is being threatened, even if the threat comes from 
harmless opinions or even facts that we may otherwise find helpful and 
could rationally agree on.

But when we express ourselves and our views are appreciated, these defense 
chemicals decrease in the brain and dopamine neurotransmission activates the 
reward neurons, making us feel empowered and increasing our self-esteem. Our 
beliefs have a profound impact on our body chemistry, this is why placebos 
are so effective. Self-esteem or self-belief is closely linked to the 
neurotransmitter serotonin. A relative imbalance of it often leads to 
depression, self-destructive behaviour or even suicide. Social invalidation 
is the primary cause of this while validation has the opposite effect: 
Social validation increases the levels of dopamine and serotonin in the 
brain and allows us to let go of emotional fixations and become self-aware 
more easily.