And this, indeed, is the standard line among social scientists who study choice. If we're rational, they tell us, added options can only make us better off as a society. Those of us who care will benefit, and those of us who don't care can always ignore the added options. This view seems logically compelling; but empirically, it isn't true.
In "The Paradox of Choice," Barry Schwartz discusses a prevailing belief among social scientists that more options lead to better outcomes for society. They argue that rational individuals will gain from the additional choices, while those who are indifferent can simply disregard them. This perspective appears reasonable at first glance, suggesting that increased choices enhance individual well-being and overall societal progress.
However, Schwartz challenges this assumption by presenting evidence that contradicts the notion that more choices are inherently beneficial. He argues that an overload of options can actually lead to detrimental effects, such as decision fatigue and anxiety, implying that the benefits of greater choice are not as straightforward as they seem.
