Society Archives

Too Many Choices: Beware the Consequences

Do you ever feel overwhelmed when you’re hungry but can’t decide what to eat? Or you’re bored but can’t choose something to watch? Why does having too many choices stress people out this way? This is exactly the dilemma that Barry Schwartz explores in his book The Paradox of Choice. Schwartz says that it takes time and energy to make decisions and, when we have to deliberate every decision extensively, we get worn out and sometimes become unable to process even simple decisions. Continue reading to learn about the negative consequences of living in a world with expanded choices.

Complex Decisions: Life’s Biggest Choices

In a life full of choices, what are some of the most complex decisions to make? What makes these decisions more difficult than others? Complex decisions are ones that have a great impact on your life, such as which insurance to choose, which college to attend, or which job will make you the happiest. Although the outcomes of these decisions are intangible, they are some of the biggest choices you’ll ever have to make. Let’s take a look at some of the complex decisions you’ll likely have to face.

How to Make an Impact on the World Around You

Do you want to know how to make an impact on the world? How can sharing your values with others make an impact on both of your happiness? According to Jay Shetty, the author of Think Like a Monk, the final step in adopting a monk mindset is to share your values, strength, and compassion with others. It can be difficult to know where to begin, so Shetty describes three opportunities where you can leave a mark. Here are tips on how to make a positive impact.

What Is Social Comparison and Why Is It So Bad?

What is social comparison? Why is comparing yourself to others so harmful? Is social comparison more common today than ever before? Social comparison is the act of comparing yourself to others—whether you know them or not. This act can come in two forms: upward comparison and downward comparison. The motivating factor for any social comparison, however, is the motivation to achieve status. Keep reading to learn all about social comparison and how it affects decision-making and mental health.

Normal Sexuality: Dispelling the Misconceptions

Is there such a thing as “normal sexuality”? How does modern culture misrepresent female sexuality? According to sex researcher Emily Nagoski, our culture tells women that there’s a standard for female sexuality, and they aren’t living up to it. What our society considers sexually “normal,” in terms of everything from anatomical structure to a person’s level of desire for sex, is based on the experience of the average man. This is because until relatively recently, research has focused heavily on men and male-centric models of sexuality. In this article, we’ll look at some of the misconceptions around female sexuality.

Why More Is Less: The Downsides of Maximizing

Why is it better to be a satisficer than a maximizer? How can maximizing actually lead to anxiety and depression? There are two types of decision-makers: maximizers and satisficers. Maximizers try to weigh every option and won’t make a decision until they’re sure that it’s the best one. Alternatively, satisficers will settle for an option that is “good enough.” You would think that maximizers would be happier in the end because they made the better choice. However, satisficers tend to come out on top. Continue reading to learn why more is less.

The 2 Most Entrenched Myths About Sexuality

What are the most common myths about sexuality? How does buying into these myths affect our sexual experience? There are a lot of misconceptions about sex that even experienced adults still believe and perpetuate. In her book Come as You Are, sex researcher Emily Nagoski points out a few harmful but common misconceptions about sexuality perpetuated by society. Let’s debunk the two most entrenched myths that are still prevalent in our understanding of sexuality.

How to Spread Kindness: 6 Simple Strategies

Do you want to know how to spread kindness? How can practicing kindness help you gain control of your life? The thought of spreading kindness can sometimes be easier said than done. When we get caught up in the everyday ebb and flow of life, it’s easy to forget to take a step back and to do something nice for ourselves or others. However, the act of spreading kindness can actually help pull you out of that everyday routine, reduce stress, and release negative feelings. Here are six tips for spreading kindness every day.

Think Like a Monk: Book Advice & Key Takeaways

What does it mean to truly be happy? Is your definition of happiness being skewed by external sources? Former monk and life coach Jay Shetty argues that people’s idea about what makes them happy are skewed by society and social media. Rather than seeking validation from others, Shetty says that you should seek happiness through defining and following your values in life. Continue reading for more Think Like a Monk book advice from Shetty.

Depression and Decision-Making: Finding the Link

Is there a link between depression and decision-making? Are people happier when they have less control over their lives? According to Barry Schwartz, the author of The Paradox of Choice, the more decisions you have to make and the more options you have to weigh, the more anxious and depressed you become. That’s not to say that he thinks your life should be controlled—but he does believe that people are happier when they have a more limited selection of options. Continue reading to learn why Schwartz thinks expanded choice is contributing to the rise in depression rates.