Neophilia: A Person With A Strong Attraction To New Things

Society continues to push us to have the latest things. Today there is an abundance of resources and information. In this connection, neophilia is a personality trait that is characterized by a strong attraction to new things.

Neophilic people tend to want to have the latest electronic devices, experience new experiences, or know all sorts of information on a topic. Some of their most characteristic behaviors are deviations and the desire to change the routine too constantly.

Several 20th-century writers, such as JD Salinger with Hapworth 16, 1924 (1965) and Christopher Booker with The Neophiliacs (1969), popularized the concept of neophilia.

In this article we will study the characteristics of neophilia. In addition, we will try to find out if it is problematic or if it is actually beneficial.

The attraction to new things: Characteristics of neophilic people

1. Adaptation capacity

Neophiles are constantly looking for new stimuli. Because of this , they can adapt to change much faster than most people. This property is generally very positive. Thanks to this, it is easier for neophiles to develop properties such as elasticity.

2. Rejection of routine and tradition

The main enemy is a routine. For neophilia, doing the same thing day after day is one of their biggest fears. Although no one likes to do the same thing over and over again, this situation is especially disturbing for a neophile.

Therefore, neophiles tend to seek constant stimulation to try to find ways to escape from the routine. In addition, they feel trapped in situations where they have to stay engaged. This is a major disadvantage when it comes to, for example, keeping a stable job or a formal partner.

On the other hand, neophilic people do not like traditions. These people cannot accept the fact that some things have to be done in a certain way.

Neophiles also tend to be very creative and love to innovate, which can compensate for some of their other negative traits.

The pursuit of new things

For a person with neophilia, the need to experience new things can become their greatest desire and even become an obsession.

Thus, new experiences can become addictive for them. Neurotransmitters that are released in unfamiliar situations can change their brain so much that they are able to modify it permanently. That said, neophilic people will need to experience more extreme experiences each time to feel good.

Therefore, it is not uncommon for neophiles to try all kinds of dangerous activities, drugs and trends. For example, some do extreme sports and disregard all safety measures. Others immerse themselves in a world of substance abuse or eat large amounts of food.

However, this can be a fairly beneficial move, as long as the impulse experienced at the discovery of something new is properly channeled.

4. Tendency to experience boredom

A person with neophilia needs to try new things almost on a daily basis. Therefore, it is often difficult for them to be aware of the same thing for a long time, whether it is a mobile phone, a partner or a job. Their desire for stimulation forces them to go out with the old and in with the new.

Thus, neophiles  tend to be lonely since they can not stand being around the same people all the time. They also struggle to achieve goals that require constant effort or to maintain a stable job.

If you identify with the characteristics we described in this article, you need to know that being a neophile is not necessarily bad as long as you arrange your need for news properly. If you focus on improving important aspects of your life, this desire for constant stimulation should not be a serious problem. Now, if you find that this attachment to new things endangers important aspects of life, do not hesitate to consult a mental health professional.