Illusions That Deceive Us

Take a look at Ebbinghaus’s Illusion in the image above. Which circle appears larger to you? The center circle, surrounded by smaller petal-like shapes, seems significantly larger than the other circle, which features larger petals. Our brains lead us to believe that the circle with larger petals is greater in size. In truth, both circles are identical.

This phenomenon reveals that our minds don't perceive reality in absolute terms; instead, we rely on relative comparisons. When evaluating something, we reference what we know rather than what is factually accurate. For instance, the petals serve as our comparative reference points. The size of the petals dictates our perception of the circle's size, creating a misleading illusion.

In a previous discussion titled "Have Millennials Been Given a Raw Deal?", I referenced the idea of a measuring stick or reference point used in comparisons, which can also serve as an illusion we choose to accept.

Reference Points and Their Impact on Your Life

Assessing your life quality against a celebrity's achievements is fundamentally misplaced. Similarly, comparing yourself to peers on social media, driven by a desire to feel superior or to avoid missing out, can lead to feelings of inadequacy—although these comparisons may seem highly relevant at the moment.

While social comparison may be a common behavior among millennials, akin to smoking, it can be detrimental to your well-being. Such comparisons can lead to feelings of depression or unwarranted pride, as we judge our lives based on misleading reference points.

To illustrate how others utilize reference points, let's delve into the measuring sticks employed by Olympic athletes post-competition.

Reference Point 1: The Podium Perspective

Michael Phelps stands as the most decorated Olympian, with a photo captured at the Brazilian Olympics in 2008 showcasing his joy.

Next to him, Laszlo Cseh, the silver medalist, appears less jubilant despite his impressive achievement. One might assume that a silver medal would bring happiness, yet his expression suggests otherwise. Meanwhile, Ryan Lochte, the bronze medalist, beams with joy—what accounts for this disparity?

Reference Point 2: The Nature of Comparison

Research by Victoria Medvec and her colleagues indicates that each swimmer's happiness is influenced by their respective reference points at critical moments. Cseh's disappointment stems from being just one second away from gold, while Lochte's elation arises from securing a podium finish—an accomplishment he nearly missed.

Their study analyzed photos and video footage of Olympic medalists, revealing that initial reactions often show greater happiness, with a notable decline by the time they reach the podium. Silver medalists frequently express less joy than bronze medalists, as the former grapples with unmet expectations.

Even though we may not compete at an Olympic level, the reference points we use in life can vary widely.

Illusions of Reference Points

In my own career, I often measured my success against my father's achievements and my peers' salaries, striving to outdo both. By the age of thirty-two, I had surpassed my father's career trajectory, but my happiness was fleeting. A subsequent diagnosis of depression made me realize that despite achieving my goals, a lack of purpose left me feeling unfulfilled.

Years later, I regained my enthusiasm for work and improved my earnings. However, at forty-one, despite a significant salary increase, I struggled with grief over my stepmother's passing and ended up facing health issues again, ultimately leading to a new chapter in my life.

Life seldom unfolds as we anticipate. For instance, while others’ opinions on my poetry may be generous, the precision of Olympic competitors’ placements is indisputable. Most real-life scenarios involve a blend of subjective judgment and skill evaluation, as noted by Leon Festinger in 1956.

Key Takeaways

Our perceptions can heavily influence our decision-making process. As you reflect on your life, be cautious about comparing yourself to inappropriate standards. If you're just beginning your journey, consider seeking advice from respected individuals with real-world experience—they may offer valuable insights before you make significant life choices.

Throughout my life, I’ve been confident in my decisions until they went awry. Ironically, earning a modest income last year brought me happiness. I rented a furnished apartment without the need for new purchases, realizing that material possessions often weighed me down when I desired simplicity.

Ultimately, I learned that less can indeed be more—a realization that took me two decades to grasp. Now that you're equipped to avoid being misled by media deceptions, remember to verify your information to save time and avoid disappointment.

As I navigate my fifties, I find that my memory can be elusive, often taking days to retrieve information that lies dormant beneath layers of knowledge. In moments of patience, I sometimes unearth words or names that had been just out of reach. Alternatively, I can always turn to reliable sources for fact-checking.

References for Verification

FactCheck.org

A Project of The Annenberg Public Policy Center

www.factcheck.org

Full Fact

The UK's independent fact-checking organization

fullfact.org