Humans are inherently competitive, and this trait may be seen in a variety of contexts, including sports, academia, employment, and even personal relationships. The appeal of competition originates from a combination of biological, psychological, and social factors (Csikszentmihalyi, 2024). Plus, competition may be a tremendous motivator that drives people to do more than they would on their own. Competition also promotes a sense of accomplishment and pleasure when objectives are accomplished or surpassed. On a larger scale, competition may drive creativity as people and teams compete to exceed one another. Additionally, the social side of competition frequently deepens relationships and fosters a feeling of community among participants.
With those things said, however, what drives our enjoyment of competition? Let’s delve into some primary reasons:
1. Factors related to evolution and survival instinct
Evolutionary theory provides an explanation for the competition preference. Resources are scarce in nature, and competition for survival has always existed between living things. For food, water, and shelter, early humans had to compete with other animals as well as with members of their own species. The competitive impulse has been present throughout human history, with those who performed well in these contests having a higher chance of passing on their genes to subsequent generations.
This evolutionary advantage is reflected in modern behaviors, where competition drives individuals to secure better resources, social status, and opportunities for their offspring.
We still compete for success and achievement, even though direct survival rivalry is less of a priority in modern culture. Nowadays, the benefits of competition go beyond monetary gain and include self-improvement and societal recognition. Our innate drive to compete and succeed is valuable since it increases our chances of surviving in various aspects of life (Dai, 2024). Some research also suggests that this competitive drive can lead to higher levels of motivation and perseverance, contributing to long-term success and personal fulfillment.
2. A sense of accomplishment and development
The sense of achievement we get from winning or accomplishing a goal is one of the key reasons we enjoy competition, and this sensation is associated with the release of pleasure-inducing brain chemicals such as dopamine. That is why we tend to feel a greater level of happiness after winning when the competition is more difficult. Competition is a major factor in propelling our drive for personal growth and improvement, which is reinforced by this sensation of accomplishment.
This dopamine release not only reinforces the behavior but also creates a feedback loop, motivating individuals to seek out and engage in more challenging competitions to experience that same sense of satisfaction. We can push ourselves to the utmost through competition, better define our goals for progress, and assess our current situation by evaluating ourselves against others. This becomes an essential instrument for self-improvement and self-motivation, encouraging people to challenge themselves (Ryan and Deci, 2024).
Also, research shows that setting and achieving competitive goals can enhance self-esteem and overall well-being, making competition a powerful tool for personal development.
3. Social acceptance and a feeling of home
Competitor success is more than just a personal achievement. It frequently results in social recognition, which is a strong incentive for a lot of people. Because we are social creatures, we are driven to seek approval and recognition from others, and succeeding in a competitive setting gives us the chance to do so. This acknowledgement strengthens our will to keep excelling and raises our sense of self-worth.
Social recognition gained through competition can also lead to increased social capital, which can open doors to new opportunities and relationships that further one’s personal and professional life.
Furthermore, a sense of belonging can be fostered via rivalry. In competitive environments, such as team sports or the workplace, people come together to strive toward a shared objective. People feel more connected to one another and to the group as a whole, which reinforces a feeling of shared identity (Maslow, 2024).
Studies have shown that group competition can significantly enhance group cohesion, as working together toward a common goal strengthens interpersonal bonds and promotes a supportive team environment.
4. Challenge and Creativity
Competition isn’t only about defeating others but also drives innovation and creativity. For example, in the field of business, companies constantly compete to create better products and services, which then results in innovations that are beneficial for consumers. This way, competition forces individuals and organizations to think outside the box and find new, more effective solutions to problems.
Another example is the tech industry, where we have seen rapid advancements due to fierce competition leading to breakthroughs in areas such as artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and telecommunications. This is because in a competitive environment, we often engage in creative thinking to overcome challenges. The drive to perform better leads to the exploration of new methods and strategies, allowing individuals to transcend their limitations. This process often brings out the best in human potential (Tanghe, 2024).
Additionally, studies have shown that competition can foster an environment where creative ideas are more readily accepted and implemented, as the pressure to innovate encourages risk-taking and experimentation.
5. Play and Enjoyment
Competition also serves as a form of play. When we engage in sports or games, we experience the excitement and thrill that competition offers. This enjoyment has been a part of human culture for centuries, providing entertainment and bonding opportunities. That is why, historically, competitive games have been integral to various cultures, from ancient Olympic Games in Greece to traditional sports like sumo wrestling in Japan, highlighting the universal appeal of competition as a form of leisure.
Also, competition can act as a way to relieve stress and break the monotony of daily life. Even mild and friendly competitions, such as board games or sports, help strengthen relationships and create lasting memories, all while keeping things lighthearted and fun (Csikszentmihalyi, 2024).
Moreover, engaging in playful competition has been shown to release endorphins, which can improve mood and promote a sense of well-being, making it a beneficial activity for both mental and physical health.
Conclusion
The human love for competition is not just about winning or losing. It stems from a combination of evolutionary instincts, psychological satisfaction, social recognition, creative expression, and even enjoyment through play. Studies have shown that competition can boost cognitive performance and enhance problem-solving abilities, highlighting its role in intellectual development. Furthermore, it fosters resilience by teaching individuals how to cope with both success and failure. Competition encourages personal growth, strengthens social bonds, and adds vitality to life, making it an essential and ingrained aspect of human existence. This is why we find ourselves naturally drawn to competition (Dai, 2024).
References
Csikszentmihalyi, M., 2024. Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience. [online] ResearchGate. Available at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/224927532_Flow_The_Psychology_of_Optimal_Experience [Accessed 24 August 2024].
Dai, L., 2024. Festinger, L. (1954) A Theory of Social Comparison Processes. Human Relations, 7, 117-140. – References – Scientific Research Publishing. [online] Scirp.org. Available at: https://www.scirp.org/reference/referencespapers?referenceid=1820605 [Accessed 24 August 2024].
Deci, E.L. and Ryan, R.M., 2024. The ‘What’ and ‘Why’ of Goal pursuits: Human Needs and the self-determination of Behavior. Psychological Inquiry, 11(4), pp.227–268.
Maslow, A., 2024. A theory of human motivation. [online] Psychological Review. Available at: https://psychclassics.yorku.ca/Maslow/motivation.htm [Accessed 24 August 2024].
Tanghe, K.B., 2024. On the origin of species: The story of Darwin’s title. Notes and Records: the Royal Society Journal of the History of Science, 73(1), pp.83–100. doi:https://doi.org/10.1098/rsnr.2018.0015.
