The Ostrich Effect: Why We Avoid Uncomfortable Truths

Have you ever ignored a problem hoping that it would go away? This can be done in multiple ways like you don't want to hear something that you disagree with from your favourite politician, skipped your doctor appointment because you might dont like what your doctor is going say or just avoid checking your bank balance. These are a few behaviours known as the 'Ostrich Effect' where there is a tendency to avoid information that might cause anxiety or discomfort. This article examines why we avoid uncomfortable truth and when it start.

Understanding the Ostrich Effect The term "Ostrich Effect" comes from an interesting myth that ostriches bury their heads in the sand to avoid danger but in reality they don't do this in real life it is just a metaphorical use that shows how people sometimes ignore problems instead of facing them and Psychologists have observed this behaviour in adults especially when they are dealing with negative information like financial troubles or health issues. It's easier to avoid the truth than to confront it.

When Does It Begin? A recent study by researchers at the University of Chicago explored about when this tendency begins and they found that young children especially those aged 5 and 6 are naturally curious and eager to learn but here is the thing as they grow older particularly between the ages of 7 and 10 they start to avoid information that could lead to negative emotions. For instance when asked whether they wanted to watch a video about why their favourite candy was bad for their teeth older children were more likely to decline compared to younger ones.

Why Do We Avoid Information? The study revels several reasons why people including children might avoid information, here are quick way to go through:

• To prevent negative emotions: Learning something unpleasant can cause feelings of anxiety or disappointment.
  
  
• To protect self image: Avoiding information that could challenge ones self perception or beliefs.
  
  
• To maintain preferences: Ignoring facts that might force a change in habits or choices.
  
  
• To act in self interest: Sometimes avoiding information allows individuals to make decisions that benefit them without guilt.
  
  

These are a few reasons which shows how our emotions and desires influence our decisions most of the leading us to choose ignorance over knowledge.

The Importance of Facing the TruthIt is true that avoiding uncomfortable information might provide a temporary relief but at the same it time there is a chance that it can lead to bigger problems in the future. So facing the truth even when it is uncomfortable that allows us to make a well informed decision and may be encourge us to make timely necessary actions as well. Elders should foster curiosity and openness to the children by providing for them a suitable environment that can help reduce the tendency to avoid important information.