Have you ever noticed how exciting a new phone feels right after you get it, only to become “just your phone” a few weeks later? Or how you might choose a new restaurant over your reliable favorite spot, just because it’s new? That’s novelty bias in action – our brain’s natural tendency to be attracted to what’s new and different, often at the expense of what’s familiar and proven.
Think of your attention like a spotlight. While everything in the room might be equally important, that spotlight tends to automatically swing toward whatever’s new and different. It’s like how a new student in class instantly captures everyone’s attention, even if they haven’t done anything particularly interesting yet.
Our attraction to novelty isn’t just a modern phenomenon – it’s wired into our brains for good reasons:
This bias influences many areas of our lives:
Our attraction to novelty can have significant consequences. When we constantly chase what’s new, we often fail to develop deep expertise or appreciation for anything. This constant switching can lead to scattered attention, unfinished projects, and wasted resources. We might abandon perfectly good solutions just because something newer comes along, or miss out on the benefits of mastery because we never stick with anything long enough. Moreover, the constant pursuit of novelty can create a cycle of temporary satisfaction followed by a need for another “new thing” fix.
Social media platforms purposely exploit our novelty bias:
Before jumping to something new, pause and evaluate whether you really need it. Consider if your current solutions are actually working fine, and whether the new option offers genuine improvements or just the excitement of novelty.
Take time to appreciate what you already have and know. Often, mastery and deeper understanding of familiar things can provide more satisfaction than the temporary thrill of something new.
When tempted by something new, give yourself a cooling-off period. This helps separate genuine value from the initial excitement of novelty.
Make a rule to complete or properly conclude current projects before starting new ones.
Understanding novelty bias can lead to better life choices:
Embracing new things when they truly offer value, not just because they’re new.
Staying with subjects or skills long enough to develop real expertise.
Making more conscious decisions about purchases and time investments.
Finding joy in mastery and familiarity, not just novelty.
Remember, being attracted to what’s new isn’t inherently bad – it’s part of what makes us human and helps us grow and adapt. The key is finding the right balance between embracing novelty and appreciating what we already have.
Next time you feel pulled toward something just because it’s new, pause and ask yourself: “Am I interested in this because it’s truly valuable, or just because it’s novel?” Sometimes, the best new thing is a deeper appreciation of what you already have.
Verse 1:
Got the latest phone in my hand
Already thinking ’bout the next big brand
That new app is calling my name
Though the old one works just the same
Like a magpie drawn to something bright
Can’t resist that new delight
Pre-Chorus:
But wait a minute, let me think this through
(Is it better just because it’s new?)
My attention’s like a butterfly
(Always ready for another try)
Chorus:
Shiny and new, shiny and new
Always chasing the next best thing
Before the old one’s even through
Like a spotlight in the night
Drawing moths into its light
Gotta learn to see what’s true
Beyond the shiny and new
Verse 2:
Starting hobbies left and right
Never sticking long enough to take flight
Download games I’ll never play
Chase trends that fade away
There’s that dopamine hit again
Making me forget where I’ve been
(Pre-Chorus)
(Chorus)
Bridge:
Sometimes the best things
(Take time to grow)
Like gardens that need
(Time to show)
The beauty that comes
When we stay long enough
To let the familiar
Show us its stuff!
Chorus:
Shiny and new, shiny and new
Learning when to chase and when to stay
Finding balance in what we do
‘Cause sometimes old and true
Is better than shiny and new
Gotta learn to see what’s true
Beyond the shiny and new
Outro:
(Spoken with wisdom)
Remember friends
Not everything needs an upgrade
Sometimes the real treasure
Is right where you are
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