#99 Neomania Bias: The Obsession with All Things New"
🌟 "Why are we so captivated by the 'new'? And is it always a good thing?"
I’ve always been fascinated by how we make decisions—especially those driven by excitement rather than logic. Lately, I’ve been reflecting on something called the Neomania Bias—our tendency to chase novelty, even when it’s not in our best interest.
Think about it:
✅Buying the latest gadget while your current one works just fine.
✅Jumping into new projects before finishing the old ones.
✅Constantly shifting focus, but never quite mastering anything.
Sound familiar? Today’s article explores how neomania can lead to impulsivity and burnout—but also how it can spark creativity and innovation when directed wisely.
If you’ve known of anyone who has struggled with “shiny object syndrome”, this article might offer clarity, perspective, and practical steps for turning this bias into a strength.
IN TODAY’S ARTICLE:
1. The Neomania Bias
2. Reinforce What You Learn
3. Recommended Critical Thinking Books
4. Next Friday: #100 The Affect Heuristic
5. The Other 98 Cognitive Biases Covered On The Way to 200!
1. THE NEOMANIA BIAS
🤔Understanding | ⚠️Harmful Effects | 🚧Susceptibility | 🚸Avoiding | 🚀Benefiting
🤔UNDERSTANDING THE NEOMANIA BIAS
Neomania is a cognitive and emotional bias where individuals are excessively drawn to anything novel, whether it’s ideas, products, or experiences. This tendency can lead to an overvaluation of newness and a neglect of established or proven solutions, systems, or traditions. While innovation and creativity are often driven by such an appetite for the new, neomania can also result in shallow decision-making, impulsivity, and the discarding of valuable resources in favor of fleeting trends.
Going Deeper:
The term "neomania" stems from the Greek roots "neo" (new) and "mania" (madness or obsession). While the concept has likely existed throughout human history, it gained attention in modern psychology and sociology as consumerism and technological advancements began accelerating in the 20th century. Scholars such as Alvin Toffler, who discussed “future shock,” brought awareness to the psychological impacts of excessive novelty.
Examples of the Neomania bias:
1️⃣ Chasing New Technologies
Frequently upgrading to the latest gadgets, even if the old ones still work perfectly.
2️⃣ Following Fashion Trends
Buying every new clothing trend and ignoring timeless wardrobe pieces.
3️⃣ Novelty in Relationships
Prioritizing new friendships or connections over nurturing long-term ones.
4️⃣Switching Careers Constantly
Jumping to new roles or industries without fully mastering the current job.
5️⃣ Obsessing Over New Diets
Constantly trying the latest diets without sticking to one long enough to see results.
6️⃣Adopting Every New Hobby
Jumping from hobby to hobby without developing skills in any of them.
⚠️HARMFUL EFFECTS OF THE NEOMANIA BIAS
Neomania can lead to wastefulness, instability, and missed opportunities for depth or mastery. It prioritizes short-term excitement over long-term value, risking both personal fulfillment and resource sustainability.
Here are three potential negative consequences:
1️⃣ Financial Strain
Overspending on new products or services.
2️⃣ Burnout
Constantly chasing new projects without downtime.
3️⃣ Lack of Expertise
Switching fields or projects too often to gain mastery.
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🚧MOST SUSCEPTIBLE: ARE YOU PRONE TO THE NEOMANIA BIAS?
People who thrive on excitement, are highly creative, or fear missing out (FOMO) are particularly prone to neomania. Individuals with high social media use or consumerist tendencies may also find themselves drawn to it.
Here are examples of the top three characteristics of people most prone to the bias:
1️⃣ Innovators
Creative individuals eager to explore novel ideas.
2️⃣ Youth
Younger people who seek identity through trends.
3️⃣ Trend Followers
People heavily influenced by social media.
🚸WAYS TO AVOID THE HARMFUL EFFECTS OF THE NEOMANIA BIAS
Balance is key. Reflect on the value of what you already have and consider the longevity of new items or ideas before embracing them.
Examples and resources for developing skills to avoid the Neomania Bias:
1️⃣ Mindful Purchasing
Pausing before making impulsive buys.
2️⃣ Practicing Gratitude
Focusing on existing possessions or skills.
3️⃣ Setting Long-Term Goals
Prioritizing stability over novelty.
🚀USE THE NEOMANIA BIAS FOR GOOD
Neomania, when directed responsibly, can be a force for positive change, inspiring innovation, exploration, and creativity. By channeling the excitement for newness toward constructive and ethical pursuits, individuals can bring fresh perspectives to their relationships, workplaces, and communities.
Here are three examples of how to use the bias ethically:
1️⃣ PROMOTING INNOVATION
Using enthusiasm for novelty to inspire teams and encourage creative problem-solving.
How to: A leader can harness their love for new ideas by introducing cutting-edge tools or techniques in their workplace. Instead of overwhelming others with constant changes, they focus on implementing one impactful idea at a time, demonstrating its value through collaboration and results. For example, bringing a new software system to streamline workflows and conducting an interactive workshop to familiarize the team.
2️⃣ ENCOURAGING EXPLORATION
Using excitement for the new to motivate friends or family to try fresh experiences together.
How to: A person passionate about new trends can suggest group activities that broaden horizons, like exploring a new cuisine, attending a workshop, or learning a group hobby like kayaking. This approach allows others to join in the excitement while fostering stronger bonds. For instance, organizing a weekend trip to try a trending sport or visiting an art exhibit for emerging artists.
3️⃣ SPARKING CREATIVITY
Using novelty to ignite artistic or professional inspiration in others.
How to: An individual drawn to new tools or techniques can inspire creative projects by introducing unique materials, innovative technologies, or experimental methods. For example, an art teacher might incorporate augmented reality into their lessons to engage students in blending traditional and digital art, encouraging them to think beyond conventional approaches.
2. REINFORCE WHAT YOU LEARNED
🖋️Glance Over the Poem
The Glow of New and True
Newness calls with its shiny hue,
But wisdom lies in the tried and true.
Pause, reflect, and you may find,
What’s lasting is the richest kind.
3. RECOMMENDED CRITICAL THINKING BOOKS
4. ➡️UP NEXT: #100 The Affect Heuristic
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5. COGNITIVE BIASES WE'VE COVERED (SO FAR)
Find them here: