Information Overload

Research on decision-making keeps finding the same pattern, called information overload: past a certain point, more information actually lowers decision quality. The brain cannot process it all, so it takes shortcuts that feel thorough but work worse than simpler analysis.

More options pile on more comparison anxiety, more second-guessing, and ultimately more paralysis. The same effect shows up in medical decisions, investment choices, and career planning.

The practical fix is satisficing: pick the first option that clears your criteria instead of chasing the perfect one.