Do more choices make us feel bad?

Question

I just watched this talk http://www.ted.com/tedtalks/tedtalksplayer.cfm?key=b_schwartz

In which dr. Barry shwartz says our society has reached the point where we have too much choice. Basically, we have so many choices in the market and in other things, such as medical care, we have no choice but to always feel guilty that we could have chosen somthing better and that it makes us afraid to make important choices, such as where to go to college.

My question, do you agree, do you think we have too manychoices in today's modern society?

Answer 1

There was a study conducted recently on this issue. The researchers ended up dividing their observed group into two based on observed behavior: one group tended to make a decision quickly based on limited information and stick with it, the other wanted an ever-expanding array of choices and options and came to a decision only after long deliberation.

They found that overall, those who deliberated ended up making better decisions. They earned more money, they made better purchases, and so on. But it turns out that they were less happy with any of their decisions than those who just decided quickly. And by pretty much every index, the deliberators were less happy than the other group.

The researchers hypothesized that it had to do with the nature of the problem facing those who have many, many choices. Ultimately a person is presented with many good choices, but no perfect ones. Each good choice will have qualities that other good choices may not have, so the deliberator, in considering all these options, will realize all too keenly exactly what they've given up to get what they got, even if they gave up less and got more than others.

Or, in other words, it all boils down to the old adage - ignorance is bliss! It's not having all the choices that is the problem... it's just thinking about it too much. Just like those people who circulate in a parking lot for thirty minutes trying to get the 'perfect' spot, when they could have parked on the far end and walked over in five.

Answer 2

yes and no.

No, I dont agree that we have too many choices because lets say that we only had one of everything, that company or group would not try the best they could to do a good job, because "where else are you gonna go?" You know

But yes, I agree with regret, and that we may find that our choices have left us empty inside when we find we could have done something better or cheaper.

Answer 3

I haven't thought about society having too much choice but I have thought about women having vastly more choices in todays society than ever before. It adds an element of complexity in my life. I don't want to whine about it because I am thankful but it makes things more complicated and that makes me a little anxious.

Answer 4

I think choice is a good thing.