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What exactly does it mean to be curious?
Curiosity is defined as the ability “to recognize and seek out new information and experience,” as well as a strong drive to learn and grow.1 This desire is intrinsically motivated; you must truly wish to learn something. If you’re looking for knowledge because you have to, such as for a school research project, this is referred to as external motivation and is not considered curiosity.
What are the various forms of curiosity?
Researchers categorize curiosity in many ways, 2,3,4, thus there is no single definition, although several characterize at least three categories of curiosity under various names: diversive, epistemic, and social curiosity.
Diverse curiosity
Diversive curiosity refers to a fleeting urge to seek new experiences. This form of interest emerges in early childhood and persists into maturity. This is about gathering knowledge at a broad level rather than going deep. Diverse curiosity pushes us to constantly refresh our Instagram feed, click on noteworthy headlines, and navigate from one Wikipedia item
Epistemic curiosity
Epistemic curiosity is the desire to fill information gaps and have a comprehensive understanding of a certain issue. Consider researching rabbit holes concerning your latest new passion or simply finding the ultimate reason for why it’s called ‘nautical dusk’ after glancing up when the sun sets that day. (Am I the only one who would spend an hour on that quest? Yeah, that’s what my pals stated as well…)
Social curiosity
Social curiosity refers to the desire to learn more about how other people think and feel. When you’re comfortable and relaxed in a social context, this state of curiosity is especially enjoyable since it causes high levels of dopamine release.
Are persons with ADHD inherently curious?
People with ADHD are inherently inquisitive, and curiosity, like many other features of the ADHD personality profile, is driven by dopamine.
Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that facilitates communication between nerve cells. Brain regions with the greatest concentration of dopamine receptors are commonly referred to as ‘pleasure centers’ since they make us feel good.
However, dopamine is activated not only when we receive rewards, but also when we are eager, ready to explore and seize new opportunities.
More dopamine is released when we encounter something that piques our interest, such as something novel, risky, or difficult.
There is an added motivation for those with ADHD to be curious. Because ADHDers have low dopamine levels, they want the “dopamine hit” that occurs when their curiosity is satisfied.
When an person suffering with ADHD stumbles into a topic that they find new and fascinating, all other priorities fall to the wayside. They are suddenly able to concentrate — most likely on nothing else. They may retreat to a quiet spot with their laptop and reappear several hours later as a true human wiki. (Hyperfocus, a table for one!)
If this piqued your interest in learning more about the ADHD brain, check out our dedicated post on the neuroscience of ADHD.
Curiosity is a good thing.
“I don’t have any exceptional talents. I’m merely passionately intrigued.” – Albert Einstein
Curiosity promotes learning
Curiosity isn’t only tied to brain chemistry; it alters it — for the better! When your curiosity is peaked, changes in the brain prepare you to learn about both the subject at hand and incidental information.
Curious individuals are happier
The benefits do not end there. Highly curious persons had lower anxiety levels, increased life satisfaction, and general psychological well-being, all of which are linked to reduced levels of depression.10,11 This correlation operates in both directions. A reduction in curiosity is a common sign of depression.
Curiosity enhances relationships
Curious people are regarded as some of the most interesting and engaging, and they are more likely to approach a wider spectrum of people, even strangers.13
Curiosity also appears to insulate people from bad social experiences such as rejection, resulting in stronger relationships with others in the long term. Curious people are less confrontational and closed-minded,1 which improves social interactions for everyone, including those with social anxiety.
Curious individuals are more creative
While the scientific evidence on ADHD enhancing creativity is inconsistent, and assessing creativity in research is difficult, studies have found a link between specific types of curiosity and creative performance and imaginative problem-solving. ADHDers may have a distinct perspective that can be advantageous when it comes to questioning old traditions and coming up with wholly new ideas, particularly in the domain of “divergent thinking, conceptual expansion, and overcoming knowledge constraints”.
Ready to harness the power of your curiosity?
Whether you’re looking for information on medication of ADHD and neurobiology, nutrition suggestions, or the benefits of ADHD, Inflow has you covered. Take our ADHD questionnaire to get started.
How to utilize ADHD curiosity to your advantage
Those with ADHD should not be ashamed of their natural curiosity. In reality, it is a strength in both professional and personal contexts.
Apply your interest to your career.
Curiosity is beneficial in a variety of sectors.4 The most important thing I learnt in college was, “A journalist needs to learn everything about something and something about everything.”
Here are some occupations that could be a good fit for curious minds:
Freelance writer or journalist
Counselor or therapist?
Director or editor?
Detective
Creative fields, such as photography and graphic design.
Event Planner
Forensic anthropologists
Hiring Manager
Historian
Culinary artist, baker or chef
Investigative reporter
Market Researcher
Scientist or researcher?
Share the gift of inquiry.
Skill-swapping is an increasingly popular business concept that involves exchanging one’s services and knowledge for another’s in a mutually advantageous agreement.
However, such services do not always have to be profitable in the classic sense. Putting your curiosity to work for loved ones is a wonderful way to express gratitude for their acceptance and support despite your ADHD.
Here are some curiosity gift ideas:
Collecting sources for a term paper
Conducting Genealogical Research
Finding the answer to a question.
Looking for career opportunities.
Nailing bar trivia for your team
