What to eat for three meals a day? What to wear? Which TV shows to watch? The rapid development of society allows people the most choices they have never been given. However, the choice is not necessarily a good thing. U.S. researchers found that too many choices may lead to too much confusion, and may even cause depression.
First, too many choices may lead to dilemma. Researchers from Stanford University and Swarthmore College found that people would feel embarrassed because of too many choices, they are nervous because they make determination, and they feel worried because they do not know whether their decision is right or not. The researchers believe that the key leading to such question lies in that when one is faced with too many options, he will be too much concerned about what consequences their choices will lead to.
People are likely to be at a loss before making a choice among many options and they also will soon become dissatisfied with their choice, suspecting whether it is a right choice or not. In addition, the selection may give rise to psychological selfishness and indifference. This is because usually people make choices according to personal likes and dislikes and seldom take the interests of society as a whole into account.
Second, it is a tradition for people to choose freely.
€The political, social and historical background in which Americans live in ranks freedom, autonomy and choice above all else," the researchers wrote, "the modern psychology put more emphasis on the idea that the right to choose is a key for keeping a healthy psychological functioning." But the study found such concept emphasizing on freedom and choice and is not suitable for everyone.
The report said: "Half a century of studies have shown that freedom and the right of independent choice play an important role in mental health. This conclusion may apply to the highly educated middle-class Americans ... ... do not apply to 95% of the population in the world."
Third, cultural differences also influence the effects that too many choices have on people.
The researchers reviewed a series of previous studies involving the culture of choice, and found that freedom and choice are not as important to the working class in Western countries as to the highly educated Westerners.
Marcus said: "We can not assume that everyone wants to choose. More choices do not necessarily bring freedom and happiness."
First, too many choices may lead to dilemma. Researchers from Stanford University and Swarthmore College found that people would feel embarrassed because of too many choices, they are nervous because they make determination, and they feel worried because they do not know whether their decision is right or not. The researchers believe that the key leading to such question lies in that when one is faced with too many options, he will be too much concerned about what consequences their choices will lead to.
People are likely to be at a loss before making a choice among many options and they also will soon become dissatisfied with their choice, suspecting whether it is a right choice or not. In addition, the selection may give rise to psychological selfishness and indifference. This is because usually people make choices according to personal likes and dislikes and seldom take the interests of society as a whole into account.
Second, it is a tradition for people to choose freely.
€The political, social and historical background in which Americans live in ranks freedom, autonomy and choice above all else," the researchers wrote, "the modern psychology put more emphasis on the idea that the right to choose is a key for keeping a healthy psychological functioning." But the study found such concept emphasizing on freedom and choice and is not suitable for everyone.
The report said: "Half a century of studies have shown that freedom and the right of independent choice play an important role in mental health. This conclusion may apply to the highly educated middle-class Americans ... ... do not apply to 95% of the population in the world."
Third, cultural differences also influence the effects that too many choices have on people.
The researchers reviewed a series of previous studies involving the culture of choice, and found that freedom and choice are not as important to the working class in Western countries as to the highly educated Westerners.
Marcus said: "We can not assume that everyone wants to choose. More choices do not necessarily bring freedom and happiness."
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