Reply #184: But it does make distinctions between 'Real' and 'Not real'.

[The Doctor.]

Perhaps you are thinking of the involuntary reactions of the brain, not 'subconscious'.

The 'nucleus accumbens septi' plays a role in 'invigoration'. Similarly to many other brain functions, it forms a loop with the hippocampus/amydgala and the brain's motor function when presented with stimuli. It is responsible for the release of dopamine; a neuro-inhibitor mostly responsible for focus, but also associated with feelings of satisfaction. Sure, while playing a video game, the 'NAS/amygdalae-hippocampi/motor' loop is engaged and sending dopamine seeking signals from the NAS... so the 'physical problem solving' circuit is active... and loaded up with dopamine for focus. Here's what happens; the subject is presented with a real-time adverse stimulus, the hippocampus,amygdala, and to an extent the hypothalamus, loop to the NAS to coordinate a motor response. Upon resolution of the stimulus, GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid, a big-time inhibitor) shuts down the function of the loop. Now there's a whole bunch of dopamine, and not a great deal to do with it as it is 're-uptaken'.

Ever get that 'sense of relief'?

"Ahhhhhhhh!"

That's the reward sensation one can get several times a minute from a video game.


Here's the problem with your assumption (oh, don't worry, not everyone is on to this yet); The initialization or 'actuation' of the whole loop originates in the limbic region, which is almost the opposite of 'subconscious'. The Thalamo-Cortical-Thalamic loop, in fact, is considered the keystone of consciousness. Just another layer away from the TCT loop is the interaction of the hypothalamus, amygdala, hippocampus, and a whole slew of other regions that are less and less directly tied into sensory input as you get 'farther' from the limbic system. It is in the limbic system, with the heavy input of the hippocampus, that the determination between 'real' and 'not real' is made. Obviously, it's not that simple as everything is 'real' to the system. But in this case, the hippocampus and amygdala very reliably 'inform' the hypothalamus that there is no threat. Therefore there is very little in the way of adrenalin and cortisol for the body and mind to deal with, and the 'wall' between 'fantasy' and 'reality' is kept thoroughly intact during LTP (long-term-potentiation) where more memory is formed of the event from which the hippocampi/amygdalae will be able to assist in distinguishing between 'real' and 'not real'.

In short; Your conscious faculties are very adept at determining the difference between the guy shooting at you on the TV and the guy pointing a gun at you in real life. They are equally good at informing the rest of your brain which of those sorts of situations you are in.

I could really go into detail with this, but I hope that explains it for now.