25
September
2009
Money Diminishes Pain, Manipulation
Nathan
Yes, we are easily manipulated. So says this interesting article, which was based on this recent study that money can dull pain.
Basically, cold hard cash has the power to make us feel numb to pain, whether it is physical or emotional. The experiment was done by seeing the reactions of the people when their hands were immersed in hot water. Interesting enough, the pain was diminished when they were handling money, as opposed to when they were handling paper. Money = painkiller = Mefenamic acid. In Filipino, does this mean that we are “mukhang pera?” It’s a word without a direct English translation, but describes a worldly person who acts differently or more favorably because of money. On another hand,there are other things that are aside from money that help diminish pain. Our body produces natural painkillers. They are Endorphins. They are produced when we are happy, just as triggered when we eat chocolates.
Going back to the premise we are easily manipulated, I’d say so. Usually, when it comes to money, some bend their principles. Being manipulated also comes from group think, and simply being in the company of people. Think about it. In a simple ‘where do we eat’ setting, we usually go for where the majority takes us, even if we don’t want to. When directed by an authoritative figure to do something, some instantly follow orders without second thought. And at the simple mentioning that there is evidence, most of us believe what that someone is saying already without verifying facts. So, yes, we are generally easily manipulated. But of course there are exceptions to the rule 
Weird Science dulls the pain with cold, hard cash
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I'm not sure about having money per se, but buying something at the mall is somewhat therapeutic for me. (I'm very far from being a shopaholic, though.) But wow, numbing even physical pain? I'm not too sure if I want to believe that.
Additional information: Exercising can also help produce endorphins. (Yes, I got that from watching Legally Blonde.
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I couldn’t access the study.
…or maybe I just don’t know how. Doesn’t look like it’s free.
With that said, I am also a bit skeptical as Adette as the ars technica link didn’t really explain the context and amount of money that was given.
I don’t know if the statement that mukhang pera doesn’t have a direct English translation is correct either. Sure, I can’t think of a literal word to replace it but it’s a common enough caricature. In fact, the word IS a caricature that just became a meme.
Also, not to be a word nazi, but I think you misunderstood the word groupthink here. I’m no expert but I don’t think it’s meant to convey peer pressure nor does it mean following an authority.
Again, emphasis on not being an expert but the word “think” there is not meant to imply not thinking or acting on herd instinct. At least, I’ve never heard it implied like that. What I know about groupthink is that it’s the effect where, because you surround yourself with yes-men, the group even when they think long and hard fails to realize the flaw of their thoughts because they isolated themselves so much that their tastes ends up matching each others rather than allowing for a contradicting thought.
Using the “what you want to eat” analogy for example. Groupthink from my understanding would be more when each one of you talks about what’s the best restaurant you can go to right now. (assuming you are looking at a list) …and then failing to pick the best restaurant that the group thinks because you guys all agreed on the other restaurant.
Poor example but that’s why I don’t think groupthink is bad in casual settings. It’s more dangerous in projects where you are all each trying to implement it as efficiently as you can but people fail to consider a flaw that’s staring everyone in the face because everyone was pleased by the concept that it ends up blowing in the group’s face once the project gets out.
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Nathan Reply:
October 14th, 2009 at 6:08 pm
Thanks for the comment. Thinking about it, I do agree that using groupthink in that context may not convey the right meaning I originally intended to.
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