Đề thi VSTEP Reading B2 — The Psychology of Decision Fatigue

Every day, people make thousands of small decisions, from what to wear to what to write in an email. Researchers have found that the ability to make good choices does not stay the same throughout the day. Instead, it slowly becomes weaker. This phenomenon is known as decision fatigue. When the brain has used up much of its mental energy on early choices, later decisions tend to be either impulsive or avoided altogether. A tired brain looks for shortcuts. It may choose the easiest option, follow the crowd, or simply delay the decision. Shoppers, for example, are more likely to buy unnecessary items late in the afternoon than in the morning. Understanding decision fatigue can help people plan better. By saving the most important choices for times when they feel fresh, and by reducing everyday distractions such as constant phone checking, individuals can protect the quality of their judgments and avoid regretting decisions made under mental pressure.