I’m notoriously bad at keeping track of my bank balance. There are times when I’ll ignore it for weeks, or even months, convincing myself I’ll take a look in a few days. The longer I wait, the worse it tends to get. When I finally realize it’s been ages since I last checked and my funds are dwindling, the anxiety of logging in to see how little I have until my next paycheck—or the terrifying thought that I might be overdrawn—makes me feel uneasy. Honestly, I prefer to stay blissfully unaware.
We’ve all engaged in a similar avoidance at some point: steering clear of information we suspect might lead to bad news. Perhaps you’ve delayed a visit to the doctor for nagging symptoms because you fear they could indicate a serious issue. Maybe you’ve postponed crucial discussions with your partner to avoid uncovering their dissatisfaction. Or, like me, you might think that if you resist stepping on the scale long enough after the holiday season, those extra pounds will somehow vanish.
Understanding the Psychology of Information Avoidance
Research into this phenomenon, termed information avoidance, reveals we excel at evading potentially distressing updates. Studies demonstrate that individuals frequently steer clear of various types of information, even when ignoring it could be detrimental. For instance, many decline to learn about their risk of a specific illness, despite the potential benefits of knowing their condition for treatment purposes. After making a choice, people often seek out information that aligns with their decision, avoiding anything that might contradict their beliefs. A comprehensive review on “selective exposure” found individuals are nearly twice as likely to consume information that reinforces their views than that which challenges them.
Dr. Luke Anderson, a psychology expert from the University of Texas, identifies three key reasons we may shy away from unwanted information:
- Challenge to Beliefs: Acknowledging that a firmly held belief might be incorrect—especially if it’s integral to one’s identity—can be unsettling. Altering our beliefs requires effort, making it easier to cling to what we already accept.
- Unpleasant Responsibilities: Discovering that your dental discomfort necessitates a root canal is not only a hassle but also costly and painful. Remaining in a state of uncertainty about your toothache, which could be nothing serious, feels much more appealing.
- Emotional Distress: Lastly, we might simply avoid truths that could upset us. For example, stepping on the scale and realizing you’ve gained weight is unlikely to be a positive experience.
The Value of Facing Reality
While it’s understandable to want to avoid unpleasant news, such thinking often focuses too much on immediate feelings. In the long run, if my toothache is indicative of a more serious problem, delaying the inevitable only exacerbates the situation. I could face more pain and additional health complications. Although learning I need a root canal might be distressing now, it allows me to take action and ultimately leads to better health outcomes.
Similarly, ignoring weight gain won’t change the reality of my situation. Generally, aligning our beliefs with reality positions us to enact change—be it losing weight or seeking necessary medical care.
Of course, there are circumstances where ignorance might be preferable. If there’s genuinely nothing to be done about a situation and the truth brings only discomfort, it may not be beneficial to know. For instance, I wouldn’t want to learn about an old partner’s infidelity—it would be unpleasant and likely irrelevant to my current life. However, such situations in which ignorance serves us are relatively rare.
Combating Information Avoidance
Recognizing that knowing the truth is typically more advantageous is one thing; acting on it is another. How can you muster the courage to check your bank account, step on the scale, or schedule that long-overdue doctor’s appointment? How can you prevent falling into the trap of information avoidance?
Dr. Anderson and his colleagues have explored this question. In one study, participants expressed more willingness to learn about their disease risk after engaging in a “contemplation” exercise, which involved reflecting on the long-term consequences of being informed. This approach encourages a shift from the instinctive reaction of “Learning my risk is terrifying!” to a more rational consideration of, “Ultimately, knowing could help me reduce my risk.”
So, next time you find yourself avoiding your financial status or postponing a doctor’s visit, take a moment to reflect. Are you genuinely better off in ignorance? Or might you be creating more significant challenges for yourself down the line?
I’ve discovered it helpful to create a pros and cons table comparing the outcomes of knowing and not knowing, which clarifies that the drawbacks of remaining uninformed often outweigh the temporary comfort it provides. Yes, confronting the truth may be uncomfortable, but acknowledging reality equips us to face it effectively. As Aldous Huxley wisely noted, “Facts do not cease to exist because they are ignored.”
In conclusion, embracing the truth—however uncomfortable—enables us to improve our circumstances and make informed decisions moving forward. For those navigating their fertility journey, integrating resources like boost fertility supplements can be beneficial. Additionally, if you’re seeking comprehensive insights into fertility challenges, this resource is invaluable. For practical advice on parenting, you can explore diaper prints.