23.10.2020 - You may think that online gambling, rock climbing, bungee jumping, and swimming with sharks have nothing in common. However, these activities have more similarities than you’d expect. First of all, they belong to the ever so exciting group of adrenaline activities, which are not for the faint of heart.
It Feels Gratifying
One of the most important aspects that drive human behavior is the need for a reward. The possibility of receiving a real-life incentive is extremely attractive to some people. That’s what makes gambling so popular, even though you may not see it as an adrenaline activity in the first place. However, it perfectly fits the description, though you don’t even have to leave your house anymore to place some bets. There are websites where you can look for games with the best odds, hopeful of hitting the jackpot and potentially changing your life for the better.
But it doesn’t end there! Think about extreme sports and competitions. A reward for winning and recognition for competing is what makes these events so popular. They also attract more people who are looking for this kind of sensation in their lives.
They Don’t See Them As Dangerous
If you think about it, some activities are extremely risky. If done incorrectly or without proper guidance, they may end up tragically. That’s why, if you want to do them on your own, you should possess the right skills and knowledge to ensure your safety and the safety of others.
Take a look at climbers or wingsuit fliers. They need to practice specific behaviors, learn about weather conditions, and get accustomed to the equipment, among other things, in order to safely engage in their hobbies. Are they in danger? To a bystander, they sure are. It turns out, however, that people who engage in adrenaline activities that require them to learn and practice often stop seeing them as dangerous or risky, due to their knowledge and practical experience.
They Develop Real-World Skills
What makes adrenaline activities so unique? Among many things, it’s the fact that they require skills and effort to be performed correctly. In fact, some skills you learn while engaging in said activities are extremely valuable in real life.
In order to complete a stressful or extremely challenging task, you’ll need to rely on others, be able to work under pressure, learn how to trust others, and make fast, yet responsible decisions. On top of that, these kinds of activities often entail intense physical exercise, which improves your overall fitness, strength, and endurance. As you can see, it’s not only fun, games, and screaming while falling from a plane. Adrenaline activities can offer you so much more, and that’s what makes them popular among certain people.
Confidence Boost and a Sense of Achievement
Adrenaline activities make you go out of your comfort zone and push your limits. Not everyone would consider trying them out, and even fewer people stay for good and become professionals. However, what attracts people to such extreme hobbies is a sense of achievement and a confidence boost. After all, they gave something scary a try, while others were too afraid. That gives them epic bragging rights and may encourage them to do something equally exciting with their lives.
A Chance to Become a Part of a Unique Community
Some people prefer doing things alone. In fact, there are many extreme sports and other activities that you can try on your own. However, while curiosity and the need to try something new may attract people in the first place, it’s the sense of community and belonging that makes them stay.
Regardless of the type of adrenaline activity, be it online gambling or bungee jumping, as soon as you get hooked on something, you’ll start meeting like-minded people. This, in turn, may give you a sense of belonging, which is extremely important because humans are social creatures. Engaging in adrenaline activities fulfills your social needs and lets you experience something truly extraordinary. Once you find a hobby that makes you feel special and accepted by others, you’ll be more likely to continue doing it.
The Bottom Line
Adrenaline activities are not for everyone. By definition, they’re more intense and come with a higher risk. They can potentially be more dangerous than what most people are used to. However, extreme sports and even online gambling have amassed large groups of people who participate in these activities on a regular basis.
Regardless of the type of adrenaline activities, there are common aspects that make them ever so appealing. People who win an online bet or jump from a plane with a parachute can feel a similar level of euphoria and gratification afterward. Additionally, some of these require lots of planning, effort, and knowledge, which, in the eyes of participants, make them less dangerous or risky. Ultimately, it’s the chance to develop useful skills and to become a part of a unique, sometimes even exclusive community, which prompts people to pursue thrilling activities.
Julia Łysakowska
