• smellythief@beehaw.org
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    1 year ago

    MDMA releases the chemical oxytocin, which our bodies naturally produce. The chemical causes animals to fiercely love their own, but also protect them from others — which can mean a disdain for outsiders may actually increase.

    I would have to see more data or examples to take this last clause as real. It sounds like some off-the-cuff dualist BS conjecturing. I can’t imagine oxytocin increasing disdain of outsiders just because it induces the opposite feelings toward your in-group.

    • Dr Cog@lemmy.ml
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      1 year ago

      Neuroscientist here. Neuropeptides always have dozens of different uses, and oxytocin is no exception. The idea that it is a “love hormone” is a simplification for the lay person.