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THE OSTRICH EFFECT: UNEARTHING THE POWER OF FACING UNPLEASANT REALITIES

By P Mohan Chandran


Have you ever pushed away a looming deadline, turned a blind eye to an overdue bill, or ignored a nagging health symptom, hoping it would disappear if left unacknowledged? Ever wondered why we often prefer the comfort of ignorance over confronting uncomfortable truths? Welcome to the territory of the 'Ostrich Effect,' a place where we choose to bury our heads in the sand, oblivious to the world around us.


The term 'Ostrich Effect,' inspired by the popular (but incorrect) belief that ostriches hide their heads in the sand when scared, symbolizes our tendency to avoid negative information. This behavioral bias stems from our inherent discomfort with uncertainty or bad news, leading us to ignore critical issues rather than addressing them.


Interestingly, our technological advancements and a society hyper-focused on sharing every aspect of life has done little to mitigate this instinctive response. In fact, it may have exacerbated it. But why do we willingly step into the shadow of ignorance, and more importantly, how can we draw lessons from this quirky aspect of human nature?


First, let's delve into the psychology behind the Ostrich Effect. Fear, anxiety, and a desire to maintain the status quo often drive us towards selective ignorance. We believe, somewhat naively, that ignoring a problem can magically make it disappear. However, while the comfort of ignorance may grant temporary respite, it often exacerbates the issue, turning it into a larger, more daunting hurdle.


So, what can the Ostrich Effect teach us? The answer lies in recognizing and breaking this cycle of avoidance. It starts with acknowledging that challenges, discomforts, and uncertainties are an integral part of life. Ignoring them is not a solution but a delay of the inevitable.


The first actionable lesson is awareness. Acknowledge the Ostrich Effect in your behavior and confront the reasons behind your avoidance. Is it fear, anxiety, or a desire for preserving comfort? Identifying the emotion can help address the root cause and encourage proactive behavior.


Next, foster resilience. Discomfort is a stepping-stone to growth. By viewing challenges as opportunities for learning and self-improvement, we can shift our perspective from avoidance to engagement, transforming obstacles into stepping-stones.


Finally, embrace transparency and seek information. Knowledge is power, and in the age of the Internet, it's within easy reach. Equip yourself with as much information as possible to make informed decisions rather than hiding from the truth.


Now, as we unravel ourselves from the comforting cocoon of the Ostrich Effect, let us ponder some hard-hitting questions. Are there aspects of your life where you've been playing the ostrich, avoiding discomforting realities? Are you ready to pull your head out of the sand and face those challenges head-on?


In a world where 'ignorance is bliss' is a widely accepted mantra, could 'awareness be power' serve as a better guide? Can recognizing and overcoming the Ostrich Effect be the key to personal growth and informed decision-making? The journey to self-awareness begins with a single, crucial step – the courage to face the truth. Are you ready to take it?



What is your response when you are faced with a challenge?

  • A. I confront it boldly and try to resolve the issue.

  • B. I escape the issue by deliberately ignoring it.



© 2023. P Mohan Chandran. All Rights Reserved.

13072023





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