Issue 1 Explore JFM 2017
Choice overload is a cognitive process in which people have a difficult time making a decision when faced with many equivalent options . Making a decision becomes overwhelming due to the many potential outcomes and risks that may result from making the wrong choice .
Harmless as it may seem , choosing from several , equivalent options , several times a day , every single day , is quite an ask .
It becomes unconsciously a stressful , often confusing and time consuming process . And hence our children , with a lot of clothes often genuinely have a hard time choosing what to wear .
Besides , there is often a risk of dissatisfaction with the choice made , versus the expectations one had while making the choice - and subsequently regret or guilt for not choosing something better , cheaper , newer or trendier .
The grumpiness is due to this continuous struggle with choosing and dissatisfaction with the choice made .
Buffets are fun , an indulgence over a holiday or special occasions . But should this be offered every day , it would take a whole lot of time , energy and interest to get through it day after day , unless one is clear about precisely what we wants and needs . And this knowledge of exactly what one wants , is possible when there is less clutter and confusion .
Besides , would we relish the spread if offered everyday , is another question we need to think over when trying to understand the ‘ grumpy despite so much choice ’ phenomenon among our children . How can they savour the toys , be grateful for the privileges that have become a norm , a way of life for them ?
‘ Inverted U ’ Model
The satisfaction of choices by number of options available can be described by an inverted “ U ” model . Having too many choices , beyond a certain ‘ ideal ’ number results in the same low satisfaction as when having no choice at all .
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