Today, making choices, even the most trivial, is a complex process. Decision fatigue is a widespread challenge, exacerbated by the use of digital technologies. Let’s find out how to deal with it to return to making decisions serenely.
We struggle to decide which film to watch due to the enormous choice offered by streaming platforms. We don’t know which version of a product to buy because the differences are minimal, but reviews vary greatly. We try to get an idea of world events, but we have to process so much information that we no longer know what topic we are dealing with.
All these scenarios are increasingly common, so much so that they define a new sensation: “decision fatigue”. Let’s be clear, making some decisions is never easy. In this article we want to highlight how today’s digital environment, with all its stimuli (such that we can end up talking about Infobesity) makes it increasingly complex to make informed choices.
What is Decision Fatigue?
Constantly connected and surrounded by a myriad of information to be processed every day in order to make choices, it has become common to experience a feeling of disorientation and fatigue such that it is not possible to make a fully informed decision.
Decision fatigue is a term that refers to the state of mental fatigue and the reduced ability to make quality decisions due to an excessive amount of choices we are subjected to every day. When our minds are bombarded with information, important or not, we deplete cognitive resources and it becomes increasingly difficult to make effective decisions. This state of fatigue can be attributed in part to the overuse of digital technologies.
Decision Fatigue and digital: what relationship?
Digital technologies, if used in an uncontrolled way, can contribute greatly to decision fatigue. Here’s how:
Overchoice
The internet and apps provide us with an abundance of options for every aspect of our lives, from choosing a restaurant to a romantic partner. This overabundance of choices can be overwhelming and lead to decision fatigue. A study conducted by Sheena Iyengar and Mark Lepper showed that excessive choice can lead people to feel dissatisfied with their decisions or not make any at all.
Notifications
Notifications from various devices require you to make a series of quick decisions, such as replying to a message, viewing an update on social media or checking emails. These constant stimuli increase stress levels and mental fatigue.
Multitasking
We often perform multiple tasks at the same time, for example we can find ourselves scrolling through Instagram answering emails and discussing on a Whatsapp group in a matter of seconds. This leads our mind to process large amounts of information of different types seamlessly.
How to get back in control of your choices
Regaining the ability to choose requires the reworking of some behaviors that in the long run can make our stay online easier and less crowded.
Reduce options
Especially on social media, we are often bombarded with a huge amount of information and options. To reduce the complexity of daily digital decisions, it is possible to organize content and websites by selecting only those that we consider most useful. This allows you to reduce exposure to unnecessary and uninteresting information.
Assess priorities
Lining up your goals and dedicating the necessary time to them is essential so as not to fall into the trap of distraction. By focusing on the most significant activities, it is possible to escape random stimuli and save energy.
Take a break
When there is too much information, taking your time can be the most effective solution. Disconnecting for specific periods allows us to give the right space to process our thoughts. Sometimes it may even happen to realize that the decision we cannot make is just a waste of time and a waste of resources.
Managing digital to get back to choosing
Decision fatigue caused by the excessive use of digital technologies is a widespread and intergenerational problem. By understanding the causes and adopting effective methods to regain digital serenity, it is possible to mitigate the negative effects on our well-being. Awareness and management of our relationship with technology are key to living a more balanced and fulfilling digital life.
With Digital Detox Design we want to promote a more conscious use of technologies that enrich and influence our daily lives. Understanding the mechanisms behind some emerging phenomena allows us to develop solutions and manage our personal relationship with the digital world.
If you would like to be supported on your path to a balanced digital diet, we will be happy to accompany you. Contact us!