Piercing screams fill the air as a singer walks on stage. If you looked into the audience, you would most likely find teenagers. Rowdy cheers ring out as the newest volume of a comic is revealed. If you looked into the crowd, you would most likely find teenagers. Whether it is a celebrity, a video game, or even a type of food, there is always something constantly on our minds or, what some of us would call, an obsession. The phrase “I am literally obsessed” is commonly heard among teens today, but what exactly is an obsession?

According to Psychology Today, “The brain’s mesolimbic system functions as a reinforcement circuit between the opioidergic system (which controls liking) and the dopaminergic system (which governs wanting)… These mechanics steer us toward things like food, but other factors can also trip the circuit.” When you find something that makes you feel good like music or food, your brain tells you to keep going back for more, thus forming an obsession. Arcadia students are no exception to the temptations of their own obsessions.

“I’m obsessed with Nutella. I don’t eat it often, but when I do, I eat a lot,” said freshman Evelyn Lo. “It’s literally the only positive thing that came out of World War II. I usually eat those Ferrero Rocher chocolates with Nutella in them. I went through an entire box of those in three days.” When asked what was the only downside of Nutella, she only said that “it was too expensive.” Because Nutella makes Evelyn happy, her brain tells her to keep on eating it. Others find themselves enraptured by celebrities, specifically Rich Brian.

“I like his music, and I think it’s really cool that we have a really popular Asian artist representing the hip-hop community when the majority of the community is African American. I often buy his music on iTunes and go to his concerts to support him,” said sophomore Olivia Chen. Not only does Olivia enjoy his music, she also finds his story motivating as well. “He breaks the stereotype that Asians have to be doctors or something like that. His story is really motivating because he’s an Indonesian who was homeschooled and learned English through Youtube, so I think it’s really inspiring.” Often times, celebrities embody the ideals of society, so many people are drawn to them.

There are various things that people are obsessed with today, but the common factor among all of them is that they can bring happiness and a way to cope with difficult situations. Regardless of whether you are obsessed with food, clothes, or music, obsessions can bring people together and are integral parts of teen life.