Best Reads Roundup: Difference Between Distraction and Diversion, Limits of Behavioral Economics, The Abilene Paradox

In my work as a behavioral designer, I come across important stories on how psychology influences our behavior. Every week, I share my round-up of the most important stories at the intersection of psychology, technology, and business. I hope you enjoy them!

The Crucial Difference Between Distraction and Diversion (Nir and Far)

The difference between distraction and diversion isn't just hair-splitting. If you want to use your time productively, and more importantly, live the type of life you envision, then it's important to understand the difference. 

I often get asked the question “Aren’t distractions sometimes a good thing? Don’t we all need some distraction in our lives?” 

Nope!

 The Limits of Behavioral Economics (Thomas Z. Ramsøy) 

When Daniel Kahneman received the Nobel Prize for economics in 2002, it marked a turning point in the field. With the introduction of psychology, many previous assumptions were shown to be flawed. 

But behavioral economics, as the adjunct field came to be known, isn't without flaws of its own. Neuroscience continually remains a few steps ahead of psychological theory, and that delta has left us with some clear limits.  

The Abilene Paradox: When Groupthink Goes Wrong (The Knowledge) 

The Abilene paradox describes the pressure to conform to what we perceive as the group consensus, even if that consensus is based on flawed assumptions or incomplete information. 

"...blindly following the group consensus can have negative consequences. It can lead to wasted time, and resources, and even harm the group's cohesion and decision-making ability in the long run."

How can it be avoided?

Happy reading! - Nir

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