[BBC] How coin tosses can lead to better decisions

Summary

• The article discusses the concept of information overload and how it can lead to analysis paralysis.
• The author argues that randomness can be a helpful tool for overcoming choice overload.
• The author cites a study that found that people who were given a random decision prompt were more likely to be satisfied with their decision than those who were not given a prompt.
• The author concludes by saying that while randomness is not a perfect solution, it can be a helpful tool for making decisions when we are feeling overwhelmed by choice.

Key Points

• Choice overload occurs when we are presented with too many options, which can make it difficult to choose one.
• This can lead to analysis paralysis, which is the inability to make a decision because we are too busy considering all of the options.
• Randomness can help us to overcome choice overload by forcing us to make a decision without overthinking it.
• This can be done by flipping a coin, rolling a die, or using another randomizing device.
• While randomness is not a perfect solution, it can be a helpful tool for making decisions when we are feeling overwhelmed by choice.