Beslutningstøy

Beslutningstøy, a Norwegian term, translates to "decision fatigue" in English. It describes the deteriorating quality of decisions made after a long session of decision-making. This phenomenon occurs because the brain's capacity for making sound judgments becomes depleted with each successive choice. As mental resources are exhausted, individuals may resort to simpler, albeit less optimal, decision-making strategies. This can manifest as impulsivity, avoidance of further choices, or a tendency to favor the default option, even if it is not the best course of action.

The concept of decision fatigue is not exclusive to complex or significant choices. Even mundane decisions, such as what to wear or what to eat, contribute to this mental depletion. Research suggests that factors like time of day, stress levels, and the number of available options can exacerbate decision fatigue. Consequently, individuals experiencing this may make poorer choices in various aspects of their lives, from personal matters to professional responsibilities. Understanding decision fatigue can help individuals and organizations implement strategies to mitigate its effects, such as scheduling important decisions for times when mental energy is high or simplifying decision-making processes.