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decision making
Sometimes you choose ignorance over useful information.
A 2010 review found that individuals intentionally avoid available information if they believe that data will threaten their current emotional state.
When information forces a difficult decision or creates anxiety, the brain treats the knowledge itself as a stressor. People often prefer to remain uncertain to maintain short-term psychological comfort.
You protect your mood by staying in the dark.
Where this comes from
- Study
- Sweeny et al., 2010
- What the check found
- The study Sweeny et al. (2010) confirms that individuals intentionally avoid information to manage emotional states and preserve psychological comfort.
- Confidence
- Well replicated
Related
One of these every day, and every one names the study it came from. When a finding is contested, it says so.