We live in an age now where we're constantly bombarded with constant information news alerts, social media alerts, and breaking headlines. It's like, we must know everything at all times. However, you would be surprised to know that sometimes not knowing something can be better for your mental health and decision-making.
This concept may sound bizarre, but science demonstrates that willful ignorance intentionally refusing to hear certain information is able to help us make better choices, lower anxiety, and even be more just towards ourselves and others.
What Is Willful Ignorance and Why Do People Practice It?
Willful ignorance is avoiding facts staring us in the face intentionally. Why would anyone do that? Typically for one of two reasons:
1. In Order to Guard Their Own Feelings or Actions
Consider a hectic executive who doesn't wish to dwell on the negatives of laying off workers. Or a carnivore who refuses to watch factory farm videos. They steer clear of this information because learning it could leave them feeling guilty or judged. It's a means of safeguarding their self-image or rationalizing their actions, even when those actions aren't optimal.
2. To Avoid Mental Overload
Our minds tend to become bogged down when dealing with too many details. Picture going house hunting there are so many choices, fine prints, and jargon that you just wish to grab something real quick and be done. Omitting some information can conserve mental energy and eliminate frustration, even though it's not the "perfect" option.
Can Avoiding Information Be Good for You?
We tend to think that the more we understand, the greater our choices will be. However, in several situations, less information may be just as beneficial for us:
Manage Our Emotions
Some facts are just too heavy to handle all at once. When faced with painful or stressful truths like a serious health diagnosis or harsh news from the world choosing not to know every detail can be a helpful way to cope in the short term. It protects our emotional well-being until we’re ready to face the full picture.
Reduce Bias and Improve Fairness
Occasionally, not being aware of certain facts can enable us to be less biased. For instance, scientists usually don't know which volunteers receive an actual treatment and which receive a placebo in order not to have any bias. Likewise, employers sometimes sift through resumes without names and photos just to consider qualifications. By excluding unnecessary information, we are able to make wiser, more equal decisions.
Why Is It Difficult to Practice Willful Ignorance
Even though it has an advantage, it's hard to ignore some information. Two principal reasons:
Curiosity
People naturally desire to learn more. Ignoring facts can be awkward or feel like we're missing out on something.
Overconfidence
We tend to believe more data equals better decisions. But additional information can add confusion, bias, or noise that obscures our judgment.
How to Be Smart About What You Choose to Know
Curious about balancing curiosity with clear thinking? Here's how:
- Ask yourself: Do I need this info at all, or do I simply want it? Stick to facts that actually assist your choices.
- Observe whether you're swayed by extraneous facts, such as celebrity endorsements or popularity. These can mislead your brain into lousy decisions.
- Maintain a decision journal. Record what you decided, how sure you felt, and look at it afterwards. This reveals whether too much information was beneficial or detrimental.
The Power of Choosing What to Know and What to Let Go
In our nonstop info age, one of the smartest skills you can develop is deciding what deserves your attention and what’s better left ignored. Practicing willful ignorance thoughtfully can protect your mental health, reduce bias, and make your decisions sharper.
If you’re ever unsure about whether to dig deeper or step back, talking to a therapist or trusted friend can offer clarity and support.
Just remember, not knowing everything is not a failing. It's a very strong method of keeping your mind open, relaxed, and laser-like on the things that actually matter.