When Thoughts Become Scattershot The Structure of the Mind When Attention Ramps Up 2011 and Beyond

When Thoughts Become Scattershot The Structure of the Mind When Attention Ramps Up 2011 and Beyond

Mental shotgun is a phenomenon discussed in relation to Daniel Kahneman's dual process theory, which refers to a state in which the system2 that is supposed to play an analytical and deliberative role operates more than necessary, over-diffusing attention and information processing. Despite having sufficient material to make a decision, one reads further into the details and context and considers unnecessary assumptions and possibilities. As a result, thoughts are not focused on a single point, judgment is delayed, and only mental fatigue accumulates. This is characterized by the fact that the person cannot stop even if he or she understands that it is futile, and in this age of information overload, it tends to manifest itself as analysis paralysis and decision-making fatigue. In many cases, overthinking itself reduces the quality of judgment, and the ability to stop thinking with necessary information is essential for sound judgment.