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Ignorance is kind: A new study of willingful ignorance
05.11.2023 10:10
Updated: 13.05.2024 21:22
A new study shows when people have the choice to learn how their actions might affect someone else, 40% of them choose not to, often so they can act selfishly.
This is a common behavior where people choose not to know the consequences of their actions.
For example, think of when you buy something without asking where it came from, even if it might be problematic.
How it was tested
The researchers wanted to understand how widespread this "willful ignorance" is and why people do it.
In these studies, some people were told what would happen because of their choices, while others could choose not to know.
In one example, people had to choose between getting a smaller reward or a bigger one.
If they chose the smaller one, someone else would also get that smaller reward. If they chose the bigger one, the other person got much less.
Some people were allowed to learn the consequences, and others weren't.
The researchers found that 40% of people, given the choice, decided not to learn the consequences of their actions.
Those who chose not to know were less likely to be generous to others, while those who wanted to know were more likely to be generous.
One reason for this behavior might be that some people want to appear generous to others but don't necessarily want to be generous.
Why it's important
This research is fascinating because it suggests that many times, people act kindly because they want to look good in front of others, not because they genuinely care.
Knowing the consequences of their actions makes a difference, as it helps them make more altruistic choices.
Willful ignorance provides an easy way out of being kind, even if it's the right thing to do.
Future research might explore this behavior in different settings and figure out ways to change it.
