Neon Pulse: Love Vs. Dopamine

captured by royel, fashion district, 2025

“flickering screens, electric veins,
synthetic highs and chemical refrains
dopamine drips like liquid light
a momentary rush, a fleeting bite

grunge-lined lips and synthesized dreams
nothing's ever quite as real as it seems
neurons fire, a purple-hued haze
mistaking sparks for love's true blaze

cheap thrills pulse beneath my skin
where dopamine tricks me to give in
but love? oh, love's a different art
a melody beyond this chemical start

whispers, alt-heart's refrain
more than just a neurochemical chain
purple disco lights can't replace
the depth that true connection can trace

somber truth in electronic sound
love transcends what chemicals have found
beyond the rush, beyond the high
real connection refuses to die”

- mitchell royel & friends

10 takeaways on love vs. dopamine:

1. chemical illusion vs. genuine connection
   scripture: "love is patient, love is kind." - 1 corinthians 13:4
   dopamine provides a temporary high, but true love offers lasting depth and understanding.

2. instant gratification vs. lasting commitment
   scripture: "many waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot sweep it away." - song of solomon 8:7
   while dopamine seeks immediate pleasure, love embraces long-term growth and dedication.

3. surface-level excitement vs. emotional intimacy
   scripture: "above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins." - 1 peter 4:8
   dopamine creates surface thrills; love penetrates the soul's deepest chambers.

4. neurochemical trick vs. spiritual bond
   scripture: "love never fails." - 1 corinthians 13:8
   chemicals fade, but genuine love transcends biological impulses.

5. temporary euphoria vs. sustainable happiness
   scripture: "love is patient and kind." - 1 corinthians 13:4
   dopamine offers fleeting moments; love provides consistent joy.

6. selfish pleasure vs. selfless devotion
   scripture: "greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends." - john 15:13
   dopamine serves the self; love serves others.

7. synthetic stimulation vs. natural connection
   scripture: "love one another deeply, from the heart." - 1 peter 1:22
   manufactured highs cannot replace authentic human connection.

8. momentary rush vs. enduring relationship
   scripture: "love is patient, love is kind." - 1 corinthians 13:4
   dopamine is a spark; love is a sustained flame.

9. external stimulation vs. internal transformation
   scripture: "and now these three remain: faith, hope and love." - 1 corinthians 13:13
   dopamine changes brain chemistry; love changes the heart.

10. biological impulse vs. spiritual experience
    scripture: "god is love." - 1 john 4:8
    dopamine is a chemical reaction; love is a divine connection.