Irrationality of Hype

Hype goes a long way in convincing us to do irrational things.

I was playing a poolside basketball game with family this summer. The rules were simple: Grandma would give $5 for making this or that trick shot.

Swish. I made it. All in fun, I immediately asked, “Double or nothing?”

“No way!” she said.

I shot back, “Triple or nothing?”

“Sure!”

Nothing changed. Not the statistical chance of me making it. Not the likelihood of her paying. The only thing that changed was the amount she would pay out if I made it. I suppose one other thing changed: hype. “Triple” is more hype than “double”. She risked more ($15 instead of $10) to participate in the hype.

The BIG BLOWOUT SALE. Hype. The sale is at the end of the year because last year's models always are price-cut.

The New Model of X is out. Hype. It’ll be the old model in a month.

The event everyone is going to. Hype. Less than 1% of the population is even interested.

Hype distorts our logic because it tugs at our insecurities, exploits our desire to belong, and tickles our narcissistic tendencies. It makes promises, but rarely, if ever, delivers on them.

Pump the brakes.
Stop.
Breathe.
Ask yourself, “Is this hype?”
(Hint: If you have to ask, the answer is probably Yes.)