Part 6/10:
Black-and-White Thinking: Simplifying Complex Realities
Another common cognitive trap is black-and-white thinking—the tendency to view issues in absolutes, as all good or all bad. This simplification hampers our ability to appreciate nuanced truths. For example, discussions around carbohydrates often fall into extremes: carbs are either to be avoided entirely or considered entirely harmless.
Edmans highlights that scientific guidance on diets suggests moderation. Carbohydrates, in moderation, are beneficial and part of a balanced diet, but black-and-white rules like "avoid all carbs" get adopted because they are simple and memorable, even if inaccurate. This phenomenon—exemplified by diet trends like Atkins—shows how extremism can be attractive but misleading.