NIce one! I think there is some relevance of the old distinction "satisfizer" vs "optimizer." I have always been a satisfizer. I tend to choose the cheapest option that satisfies my needs, rather than optimizing every decision so I'm getting the most possible value out of it. I think the companies also play on our FOMO, too. If they can convince us we'd be happier with the glidier lawnmower and other people have one, sometimes we think "I don't want to miss out on having lawn mowing be fun!"
Great article, Rajesh!
I noticed the effects of distinction bias years ago when I was in Home Depot purchasing a door lock set and I’m literally debating over features.
Does it lock the door? 🚪 🔑
Ok, that’s the one I need, no more.
Rajesh, I wish it had been as interesting as a choice of Bluetooth. This was nearly 20 years ago, roughly 2006, so that wasn’t even an option.
As I was writing the post, I was thinking, what could the options even have been 🤣😭
lol. We all do it. So, did you eventually choose the lock for its bluetooth features, right? :D
NIce one! I think there is some relevance of the old distinction "satisfizer" vs "optimizer." I have always been a satisfizer. I tend to choose the cheapest option that satisfies my needs, rather than optimizing every decision so I'm getting the most possible value out of it. I think the companies also play on our FOMO, too. If they can convince us we'd be happier with the glidier lawnmower and other people have one, sometimes we think "I don't want to miss out on having lawn mowing be fun!"
That's a great distinction - optimizer vs satisfizer. A wise person once said, "Buy things that your ego can handle."
They certainly play with our FOMO. :)
I feel called out for upgrading my phone every year! 😆 I enjoyed reading your post. It helped to clarify my decision making process.
Ha ha! Not calling you out - we all do it.
Glad you liked the post, Marcel. Thank you!
I loved this piece Rajesh, written very clear, engaging, funny & soooo relatable 🤣 Too many options just dont make the choice easier, at all 😅😂
Thanks, Daria. Appreciate your feedback. :)