Name: Why we make bad decisions
Uploaded: 2008-12-16T07:32:00Z
Duration: 33 min 18 s
Description: Dan Gilbert presents research and data from his exploration of happiness -- sharing some surprising tests and experiments that you can also try on yourself. Watch through to the end for a sparkling Q&A with some familiar TED faces.

Dan Gilbert presents research and data from his exploration of happiness -- sharing some surprising tests and experiments that you can also try on yourself. Watch through to the end for a sparkling Q&A with some familiar TED faces.

Why we make bad decisions

Human brains are wired to make systematic errors when judging both probabilities and value, leading to irrational decisions in everyday life. People overestimate risks that grab attention, like tornadoes and terrorism, and undervalue common dangers such as drowning or asthma. Even when a centuries-old formula promises rational decisions, our instincts still steer us astray—whether we’re buying lottery tickets, choosing jobs, or planning for the future. These mental shortcuts persist because our minds evolved for a world of simple choices and immediate needs, not today’s complex society.