MLM "success seminars" and high-energy motivational events often mirror the structure and emotional arc of religious revivals: intense crowd dynamics, rhythmic chanting or music, charismatic speakers, testimonials, and promises of transformation. All of this is designed to trigger emotional and neurochemi…
MLM "success seminars" and high-energy motivational events often mirror the structure and emotional arc of religious revivals: intense crowd dynamics, rhythmic chanting or music, charismatic speakers, testimonials, and promises of transformation. All of this is designed to trigger emotional and neurochemical responses - especially dopamine and oxytocin - that create a temporary sense of euphoria, belonging, and conviction.
The book "Manufacturing Mania: The Dopamine Hypothesis of Religious Experience" suggests that spiritual ecstasy, feelings of divine connection and transcendent insight are at least partly mediated by surges of dopamine in key brain circuits (e.g., the mesolimbic pathway). https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0DNQXX53Y
What’s striking is how MLM events exploit similar social and neurological mechanisms without the metaphysical framing: instead of salvation, it's financial freedom; instead of a divine calling, it's personal empowerment.
Either way, these mechanisms generate loyalty, conviction, and emotional highs that mask exploitative structures beneath. The promise of success or salvation is chemically backed, not factually.
Yes there is a religiosity to it. Now we see it in the form of social contagions and in online group behaviours that also trigger neurotransmitter-release through remote interactions. In that sense, of course, everything we do is chemically backed. I have written a little bit about misinformation, consciousness and free-will (I am not a determinist) and in one small study, it was found that people will knowingly share things they know to be false if it has the prospect of getting reactions. It is a validation cycle which is precisely what religion (and MLM) offers. The book looks interesting so thanks for the recommendation. I see you have some posts that I now want to read too.
Yes, that comparison is very apt.
MLM "success seminars" and high-energy motivational events often mirror the structure and emotional arc of religious revivals: intense crowd dynamics, rhythmic chanting or music, charismatic speakers, testimonials, and promises of transformation. All of this is designed to trigger emotional and neurochemical responses - especially dopamine and oxytocin - that create a temporary sense of euphoria, belonging, and conviction.
The book "Manufacturing Mania: The Dopamine Hypothesis of Religious Experience" suggests that spiritual ecstasy, feelings of divine connection and transcendent insight are at least partly mediated by surges of dopamine in key brain circuits (e.g., the mesolimbic pathway). https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0DNQXX53Y
What’s striking is how MLM events exploit similar social and neurological mechanisms without the metaphysical framing: instead of salvation, it's financial freedom; instead of a divine calling, it's personal empowerment.
Either way, these mechanisms generate loyalty, conviction, and emotional highs that mask exploitative structures beneath. The promise of success or salvation is chemically backed, not factually.
Trying again...
Yes there is a religiosity to it. Now we see it in the form of social contagions and in online group behaviours that also trigger neurotransmitter-release through remote interactions. In that sense, of course, everything we do is chemically backed. I have written a little bit about misinformation, consciousness and free-will (I am not a determinist) and in one small study, it was found that people will knowingly share things they know to be false if it has the prospect of getting reactions. It is a validation cycle which is precisely what religion (and MLM) offers. The book looks interesting so thanks for the recommendation. I see you have some posts that I now want to read too.
I replied to this from my notifications but it seems to have disappeared. I will wait to see if it prints up before duplicating.