When lack of knowledge is better for your mind and your mental health

In today’s world that depends on information, where titles and notifications are fixed, not knowing something may feel personal failure. But new psychological research indicates that the opposite may be true: sometimes, deliberate ignorance can protect your mental health, and better support decision makingAnd reduce Unconscious prejudice.

A The last review in The current opinion of psychology FTH and its colleagues explore the value of the so -called “deliberate ignorance”, which indicates the intention of deliberately available information.

While this may seem reverse results, under the appropriate circumstances, it can enhance clarity, and reduce pressureImproving objectivity.

Why does someone choose ignorance?

Deliberate ignorance means avoiding some deliberate facts, even when it is easy to reach. This may seem irrational, but amazing. People often set specific details for emotional, social or cognitive reasons.

To justify selfish decisions

A high -level executive official avoids learning how to harm workers. Meat lovers avoid watching videos on plant transplantation. The repeated passenger exceeds the environmental impact of air travel. Why?

Because knowledge will make them feel guilty and openness to criticism. People often maintain themselves in the dark to protect them Self -image Or justify selfish or immoral behavior. Society tends to judge those who completely realize their consequences Narcissistic Procedures, so stay in darkness is comfortable Defense mechanism.

To avoid excessive cognitive pregnancy

Another common reason for deliberate ignorance is mental fatigue (lack of subscription, mental laziness, and confusion). People often do not know any important details, or they are tired by many options.

For this reason we exceed microscopic printing or hasty decisions, such as stability of an apartment that is not perfect, just to finish the search. Because we are looking for an acronym for a quick solution, even if it leads to bad results.

Can you avoid information useful for you?

We usually assume that more knowledge leads to better options. But in some cases, it can benefit less knowledge in reality mental well -being and decision quality.

To manage emotional excess pregnancy

Sometimes, more information adds tension instead of clarity. Avoiding painful facts can be a short -term confrontation strategy when the facts feel emotional or outside our control.

For example, someone learns that a member of his family suffers from a final disease may choose not to read a full medical diagnosis. A person who accepts a serious job due to financial hardship may avoid searching for infection statistics. Many people choose not to see the annoying news about war, disasters or violence.

Carefully used, healthy self -protection. Over time, the search for relevant facts becomes important in the long run Steadfastness And adaptation.

To reduce bias through self -get rid

Self -disposal is a strong way used to support fair and unbiased decisions. It deliberately includes the information that may overcome your rule.

In science, the researchers remain blind for the participants who received real treatment for a Fake. This helps to ensure objectivity. Otherwise, they may unintentionally behave differently (for example, improvement expectations appear) towards the participants in the treatment group.

In areas such as employment, law and academic circles, self -elimination can mean removing names, images, or demographic details from the assessments. The employment director may evaluate CVs without seeing any definition information, allowing them to focus only on experience and qualifications.

By examining the relevant data, we can make more accurate and inclusive decisions.

Why is deliberate ignorance difficult, even when it helps it

Even when deliberate ignorance has clear benefits, most people are struggling to practice it. Two major psychological forces on the road:

1. Curiosity: Humans are naturally driven to fill the gaps of knowledge. The awareness of these gaps without doing anything about them can feel uncomfortable.
2. Excessive confidence: Many of us assume that more data helps us make better decisions. But added information often provides more noise and bias.

How to practice smart and selective ignorance

When is it better not to know anything in reality? How do you always resist the desire to know more?

If the curiosity leads you:

• Ask yourself: “Do I want this information, or do I need it now?”
• Focus on what is necessary to issue a sound judgment.

Remember: Curiosity can be satisfied later, after I made a decision.

If you are struggling with excessive confidence or you think more information is always better:

• Learn how unrelated facts can influence your thinking. For example, celebrity approvals or popular product (the “higher sale” may affect you more than you realize.
• Train the development of your decision. Tracking your trust The level, then review it later. You may find that reducing unnecessary inputs helps you choose more clear and better.

The awareness of deliberate ignorance can protect your mental health and reduce bias

Blessed ignorance has a bad reputation, but under the appropriate conditions, it is a smart psychological strategy. It can protect your mental health, support emotional well -being, reduce bias, sharpen focus, and help you make more wise decisions.

If you are not sure if the eye change is the right choice, think about talking to a Psychotherapist. Obtaining an external perspective can clarify your instincts and improve decision -making.

In today’s world saturated with information, learn to distinguish what deserves attention What is better has been ignored, it may be one of the most powerful tools for both mental health and the solution of effective problems.