Neophilia, the obsession with novelty

Our culture increasingly pushes us to constantly want to have the latest, newest, and most amazing thing. We live in a time when there is an overabundance of both resources and information. In this context, neophilia (obsession with novelty) arises, a personality trait that is becoming more and more important.

People with this excessive tendency may become obsessed with always having the latest electronic devices, with having new experiences, or with knowing all the possible information on a topic. Some of their most characteristic behaviors are nonconformity and the desire to constantly get out of the routine.

Neophilia was a term created and popularized by several authors in the second half of the 20th century. Among them were JD Salinger with his story Hapworth 16, 1924 (in 1965), and Christopher Booker with a book titled The Neophiliacs (in 1969). Since then, its relevance has not stopped growing.

In this article we will study the characteristics of neophilia. Besides, We will raise the question of whether this is a problematic trait; or if, on the contrary, possessing this quality can be an advantage for those who have it. Let’s dig deeper.

Characteristics of neophilia

Obsession with novelty involves a series of traits that usually occur at the same time in people who suffer from it. Below we will see which are the most important of all of them.

1- Capacity to adapt

Because people with neophilia need to constantly search for new stimuli, They are able to adapt to changes more quickly than most people. This first trait is generally very positive: thanks to it, neophiliacs can develop qualities such as resilience more easily.

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2- Rejection of routine and tradition

It is logical to think that, for a person with an obsession with novelty, routine can become their worst enemy. For these people, Doing the same thing day after day is one of your biggest fears. And, although no one likes to be trapped doing the same tasks over and over again, for a neophiliac this situation is especially painful.

Therefore, someone with neophilia will tend to seek constant stimulation and look for ways to escape from your routine. Furthermore, they will feel trapped in situations in which they have very strong commitments to maintain. This will put them at a disadvantage when it comes to, for example, looking for a stable job or having a formal partner.

On the other hand, traditions do not fit well into the mental schemes of neophiliacs. This people They do not accept that something should be done a certain way just because it has always been that way. Therefore, they tend to be more creative and innovate; this can offset some of the other more negative traits.

3- Search for novelty

Despite being closely related to the previous trait, the search for novelty It is so important for people with neophilia that it deserves to be studied separately. For these individuals, the need to experience new things can become their greatest desire, to the point of becoming an obsession.

New experiences can be addictive. Because they release certain neurotransmitters in the brain, they are able to permanently modify it. So, the neophiliac will need to experience more extreme sensations each time to feel good.

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That’s why, It is not uncommon to find novelty addicts trying all kinds of dangerous activities, substances and fads.. Some, for example, engage in extreme sports in risky ways. They may even end up under the influence of drugs or excessive eating.

However, to the right extent, this trait can be beneficial, as long as the impulse experienced to know and discover what is new is appropriately channeled.

4- Tendency to boredom

A person with neophilia needs to constantly try new things. That’s why, They often find it difficult to pay attention to the same thing for a long time. Whether it’s a cell phone, a partner, or a job, their desire for stimulation will push them to abandon the familiar in search of greener pastures.

Of course, This brings some negative consequences to neophiliacs.. They tend to be lonely people, since they cannot stand being constantly with the same people. They also have a hard time achieving goals that require constant effort, or getting stable jobs that other people would kill for.

If you identify with the traits we have described in this article, you should know that being a neophiliac does not have to be bad. The key to making it an advantage and not a drawback is knowing how to channel your need to always look for something new. If you can focus enough to improve in key areas of your life, the desire for constant stimulation shouldn’t be a major problem.