Clearly, the cumulative opportunity cost of adding options to one's choice set can reduce satisfaction. It may even make a person miserable.
In "The Paradox of Choice: Why More Is Less," Barry Schwartz discusses how having too many options can lead to dissatisfaction and even misery. When individuals face an extensive array of choices, the burden of evaluating them can become overwhelming, detracting from their overall happiness. Instead of enhancing their satisfaction, the decision-making process can become paralyzing.
This cumulative opportunity cost associated with expanding one's options can create a sense of regret and anxiety over the choices not made. When people are constantly aware of alternative possibilities, it may inhibit their ability to appreciate their actual decisions, leading to a diminished sense of fulfillment.
