The illusion of choice is a falsesense of controlthat can lead tosuboptimal decision-making.
This belief can contribute to a false sense of control.
History of the Illusion of Choice
The illusion of choice is a relatively new concept.
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The illusion of choice has since also been alluded to in thefield of psychology.
This finding has come to be known as the “paradox of choice.”
This can lead to suboptimal decision-making as people may choose options not in their best interests.
Does Choice Lead to the Illusion of Control?
A famous example of this is the Netflix documentary “The Great Hack.
It can lead to poorer decision-making, as well as feelings ofstress and frustration.
For example, a company may use an email marketing campaign to pressure people into buying a product.
Double Bind
The illusion of choice can be created by a double bind in psychology.
A double bind, first described by Bateson in 1956, is when someone receives a contradictory message.
For example, someone may tell you to “be more spontaneous.”
The double bind creates an illusion of choice because it feels as though whatever decision you make is wrong.
The illusion of choice is also used to keep people from challenging the status quo.
It is important to be aware of your own biases and tendencies when making decisions.
Take time to consider all of your options before making a decision.
Be aware of the potential risks and costs associated with your choices.
Seek out multiple opinions before making a final decision.
Finally, trust your intuition and gut feelings when making decisions.
If you’re having trouble making decisions, it may be helpful tospeak to a therapist.
Williams J.The Will to Believe.
Bateson G, Jackson DD, Haley J, Weakland, J.Toward a theory of schizophrenia.Beh Sci.1956;1:251264.
2018;46(5):657-670. doi:10.3758/s13421-018-0804-x
