The concept describes a deliberate decision to remain uninformed about a topic when the cost of acquiring information outweighs its potential benefit. Individuals may choose not to seek out or process information if doing so demands significant time, effort, or resources, and if the information is unlikely to change their behavior or decision-making in a meaningful way. A voter, for instance, might opt not to research every candidate and policy proposal thoroughly if they believe their single vote is unlikely to alter the election outcome.
This behavior is a rational response to the reality that acquiring and processing information is not free. In many situations, the marginal utility of additional information is minimal. Understanding this behavior is crucial for analyzing collective decision-making processes, particularly in democratic systems where informed participation is often considered ideal. The phenomenon has been recognized and studied by economists and political scientists, leading to deeper insights into voting patterns, consumer choices, and the effectiveness of information campaigns.
