There’s been a lot of research on it and if you search around the internet you’ll find some great case studies. This process of adapting to the things we have, of diminishing joy from new things is a process we all go through. It’s just part of life, it’s fine probably, but it doesn’t bring you joy any more.
But then, after a few hours or days or weeks, it’s just sort of there. You use it and enjoy it and feel pleased about it. When you imagine having it, you know know it’ll bring you a lot of happiness. I’m sure you can think of a time when there was something exciting and new that you really want to get, maybe a new car or a great new job or a new phone.
We’ve all experienced hedonic adaptation before.
