Strategic self-ignorance

Linda Thunstrom, Jonas Nordström, Jason Shogren, Mariah Tanner Ehmke and Klaas van 't Veld ()

Journal of Risk and Uncertainty, 2016, vol. 52, issue 2, No 2, 117-136

Abstract: Abstract We examine strategic self-ignorance—the use of ignorance as an excuse to over-indulge in pleasurable activities that may be harmful to one’s future self. Our model shows that guilt aversion provides a behavioral rationale for present-biased agents to avoid information about negative future impacts of such activities. We then confront our model with data from an experiment using prepared, restaurant-style meals—a good that is transparent in immediate pleasure (taste) but non-transparent in future harm (calories). Our results support the notion that strategic self-ignorance matters: nearly three of five subjects (58%) chose to ignore free information on calorie content, leading at-risk subjects to consume significantly more calories. We also find evidence consistent with our model on the determinants of strategic self-ignorance.

Keywords: Strategic ignorance; Calorie information avoidance; Guilt aversion; Self-control (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: D03 D81 D83 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2016
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (24)

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Related works:
Working Paper: Strategic Self-Ignorance (2013)
Working Paper: Strategic Self-Ignorance (2012)
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DOI: 10.1007/s11166-016-9236-9

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