Spice is an illusion, it is a plants defence to make things not eat it. Problem is, things enjoy the burn...

Birds can't taste it, but squirrels can. So people put chilli on bird tables to keep the squirrels off. Problem is, squirrels got the taste for chilli, so they went back for more... 

it's addictive thats the bottom line. it gives you a mild high when you've consumed enough, the light headed feeling and tingling in your tongue is all addictive to some people.

Edit: jerk chicken noice :p

The more it burns the more I love it. I go for things that are so hot that I drool for 2 hours after eating it

I just bought a lil nitro gummie bear and it says it’s 9 million scoville units and is something hundred times spicier than a jalapeño pepper.

would my taste buds be able to last 5 mins for the challenge...

My friends and I used to say that, because spicy food causes an increase in endorphins and serotonin, if you don't like spicy food then you don't like happiness.

The spice makes going to the bathroom a fun roulette game I play with nature, just gives me that extra little element of mystery in my day to keeps me going.

When I cook curry I usually use about 10-16 birds eye chilis and an equal amount of fresh ginger. If dinner is spicy enough to make you sweat then it's a good meal!  

Macroflation is right tho. It's somewhat about the endorphins, I think it's also about flavor palettes. In South Eastern Asia and China they mix and blend the 5 primary flavors expertly to create some really fantastic culinary experiences and spiciness modifies the impact of those dishes. If you can't handle any spice because you grew up thinking black pepper was hot you're missing out on a lot of interesting and varied cousine. 

https://cookingenie.com/content/blog/why-we-love-spicy-food-science-behind-the-heat/

Why not?

what i want to know is how people with GERD survive in countries/cultures that predominantly seem to elevate very spicy dishes

what does a low-FODMAP diet look like in asia?