Question

Coffee drinking has transformed over the last twenty years from the thing that your parents did in the morning over breakfast to the trendy thing to do as a social exercise. Likewise, energy drinks like Red Bull and Rock Star have burst into the social zeitgeist with enthusiastic fans and consumers. As a society, how do you feel about the notion that we may be overstimulated? From the constant barrage of advertising to the Internet age of instant information, how does the seeing rampant consumption of caffeine add or detract from the society at large? Is it a good or bad thing? Should we be concerned or is this just a fad that will eventually fade away?

Answer 1

Caffeine is considered to be the most consumed drug over the world. It is a bitter, purine based stimulant which stimulates the central nervous system. Caffeine is known for negating drowsiness and keeping a human mind alert. It is most commonly found in coffee, tea, aerated beverages like red bull, rock star and etcetera. Caffeine belongs to the methylxanthines class. Caffeine only slightly raises the level of dopamine unlike other drugs like cocaine and heroin. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter which is stimulated by consumption of caffeine. Dopamine excites our brain. Adenosine on the other hand is a neurotransmitter which signals our brain to tire us. Caffeine blocks adenosine so that dopamine could be in action making us feel happier and more alert. It increases the level of dopamine.

Consumption of caffeine does not detract from the society because it does stimulate neurotransmitters in our brain. It helps us function better, however, an overdose or rampant consumption of caffeine is unhealthy. Caffeine is consumed for negating drowsiness and keeping a human mind alert. Thus, it is not a fad which will fade away. People would continue to consume caffeine. However, the amount of intake is definitely a cause of concern and must kept under check.