Playful Brains: Why the Brain Doesn’t Like Surprises and How to Play Your Way Through Uncertainty

Lecture for students and the general public by Dr. Yulia Golland from Reichman University, Israel 

Uncertainty is an unavoidable part of life, influencing our decisions, emotions, and interactions every day. To cope with the unknown, the brain has evolved into a predictive machine that uses past experiences to anticipate what might happen next. This internal model-building helps minimize surprises and gives us a comforting sense of control over our future.

Yet reality doesn’t always cooperate with our expectations. When events defy our predictions, it can trigger stress, hesitation, or even fear as the mind scrambles to adapt. It’s no wonder we often find uncertainty uncomfortable. This leads to a fundamental question: What is it about not knowing the future that rattles us, and can we train our brains to navigate uncertainty more effectively?

In this lecture, we will explore the brain as a predictive organ, uncovering the neural mechanisms behind uncertainty avoidance and the biological roots of the fear of the unknown. We will examine how uncertainty influences cognition, perception, and behavior—sometimes leading to rigidity and avoidance, but also opening the door to new possibilities.

Beyond fear, uncertainty holds unique potential for exploration, creativity, and growth. We will delve into recent research on playfulness and in particular playful interactions, demonstrating how they can promote optimal arousal, cognitive flexibility, and social connection, fostering adaptability in unpredictable environments.

Binding registration

Register for free in order to attend the lecture: https://forms.gle/CnyW2Vmb48Mtj2WSA