health
What if doing more isn’t always the answer?
It’s tempting to treat overwhelm with clever fixes – but that might be part of the problem
TL;DR
- Additive bias is the tendency to solve problems by adding elements rather than removing them.
- This bias is exacerbated by consumerist societies and social media's comparison culture.
- Studies show people often prefer additive solutions for mental health, even when subtractive ones are more efficient.
- The 'more is more' approach can lead to increased overwhelm and weakened problem-solving skills.
- Therapists suggest 'radical imagination' and intentional breaks from consumption to foster creativity and address overwhelm.