Too Much Information

[notebuyer]

As mentioned before, lengthy disclosures degrade, rather than improve decision making.

Today's example: New York City's new law requiring calorie counts on chain restaurant menu boards.

Did it make a difference in what people ordered?

.... only about half the respondents even noticed the calorie counts and only 15% said they influenced their

Comments

[dustthouart]

I don't know. Sometimes I want what I want, and I order it; sometimes I have indeed been deterred by looking at just how many calories.

The part where it plays a decision is when I'm equally tempted by two different things, if I see that one is healthier, I'll have that.

Also, the nutrition facts in my experience, while on the menu boards, are not in the same exact place as the thing with the prices and stuff, and a lot of people just don't look at it.

[notebuyer]

I note that it generally goes with a view of human nature that regards us as purely rational. Having spent time around people that prided themselves on their pure rationality, I am a little unwilling to grant that as a goal: the experience of pettiness, power-mania, and self-righteousness tends to turn me off to their professed goal.