A growing body of psychological research is challenging the age-old belief that more knowledge always leads to smarter decisions, suggesting that there are moments when choosing “not to know” can enhance our mental well-being, encourage fairer outcomes, and offer greater peace of mind. This intriguing perspective is sparking discussions in academic and mental health circles worldwide, including in Thailand, where information overload has become a pressing concern in today’s digital society.
For years, the dominant narrative across Thai society—mirrored globally—has been that knowledge is power, and that gathering as much information as possible before making a decision leads to better outcomes. In Thai education and business, “knowing more” has often been equated with being responsible, diligent, and prepared. Yet, new research highlighted by Psychology Today psychologytoday.com explores the counterintuitive benefits of selective ignorance: intentionally avoiding certain kinds of information, particularly when it might cloud judgment or harm mental health.
Psychologists argue that some choices—such as not delving into every minor health complaint through online self-diagnosis, or abstaining from gossip in the workplace or family—may actually lead people to better decisions and higher satisfaction. Recent studies suggest that individuals who limit exposure to unnecessary or distressing details sometimes fare better, an effect supported by decades of research on decision fatigue and cognitive overload. As Thai students, parents, and professionals are inundated by constant notifications and updates through social media and chat apps, such findings are highly relevant, especially in navigating the intensity of modern urban life in Bangkok or Chiang Mai.
One expert, a Bangkok-based clinical psychologist affiliated with a leading mental health institute, explains: “The endless pursuit of information can trigger anxiety, especially when the information is ambiguous or negative. A mindfulness-based approach of letting go, or choosing not to know, can help reduce stress and foster clarity.” This approach echoes traditional Buddhist concepts espoused by Thai monks, who often speak of detaching from clinging to facts or certainty as a path toward inner peace—aligning ancient teachings with current psychological trends.
Data consistently shows that constant connectivity can undermine mental health. A 2024 Thai Ministry of Public Health survey noted a 32% jump in reported anxiety and sleep disturbances among urban youth, correlating strongly with heavy use of digital devices for news and information. As Thailand rapidly embraces e-learning and online work, experts warn that “information fatigue” is increasingly common, and that workplace productivity may even decline when employees are pushed to assimilate every detail before taking action (The Nation Thailand), (PubMed), (World Health Organization).
Choosing not to know can also advance fairness, particularly in situations where too much information could introduce bias or prejudice. For example, some hiring managers in progressive Thai companies have begun deliberately blinding themselves to candidates’ photographs or surnames during initial selections to prevent unconscious bias—a policy inspired by international best practices and supported by research from Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Psychology. Such policies have been shown to increase diversity and fairness in hiring or university admissions—not just in the West, but increasingly across Southeast Asia (Harvard Business Review).
However, not all “selected ignorance” is beneficial. Thai educators caution that avoiding crucial information—such as ignoring health warnings or crucial homework instructions—can have harmful effects. The key, many experts say, is knowing when to gather information and when to set boundaries. A senior lecturer at Mahidol University’s Psychology Department commented: “It’s important to teach children and adults to be discerning, to know which details really matter and which only create confusion or unnecessary stress.”
Culturally, the Thai phrase “jai yen” (cool heart) embodies the wisdom of not overreacting, not rushing to find every answer, and maintaining composure in uncertain times. Such cultural touchstones may help Thais embrace these new recommendations in mental health and decision-making. Yet, Thailand’s education system, which often emphasizes rote learning and exhaustive test preparation, may need to adapt by encouraging students to evaluate when to step back from excessive fact-gathering in favor of thoughtful reflection and creativity (Bangkok Post).
Looking ahead, digital well-being experts expect Thailand’s public health authorities and schools to provide more guidance on information management and mental wellness. Upcoming campaigns may offer workshops or media literacy classes that teach youth and adults how and when to filter out unnecessary content—advice that could be as important to mental health as diet and exercise.
For Thai readers navigating an overwhelming flow of updates, opinions, and data, the practical take-home is this: It is wise to set boundaries for information consumption, turning off notifications during meals or family time, stepping away from social media during periods of stress, and seeking professional mental health support if worries spiral out of control. Parents, educators, and business leaders alike can model healthy information habits, fostering a culture where sometimes, knowing less—and focusing more—is the wisest choice of all.
For further reading on the psychological impacts of information overload and the balanced use of selective ignorance, see Psychology Today’s recent article, and explore Thai-language resources from the Department of Mental Health (dmh.go.th) and Chulalongkorn University’s Open Online Courses (mooc.chula.ac.th).