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    • Showing only topics in ~health.mental with the tag "recommendations". Back to normal view / Search all groups

    1. Advice regarding the Sunken Cost Fallacy

      Ask
      Hello everyone, I wanted to provide a litmus test, of sorts. This test helps you figure out if you are engaging in the Sunken Cost Fallacy. Sometimes I find myself asking if I should quit...

      Hello everyone,

      I wanted to provide a litmus test, of sorts. This test helps you figure out if you are engaging in the Sunken Cost Fallacy.

      Sometimes I find myself asking if I should quit something, let something go, move on, etc.. It can be hard to figure out what the answer to those questions are. I heard a piece of advice regarding this very struggle, and wanted to share it with you all.

      Ask yourself:

      Knowing what I know now, would I still make the same decision that I did?

      If the answer is "No" then you are most likely in a Sunken Cost Fallacy mindset. It could be argued that you should stop whatever it is you're considering stopping.

      If the answer is "Yes" it is likely you are not in a Sunken Cost Fallacy and you made a decision in line with your values, even if it may not seem like it (hence the struggling).

      Disclaimers:
      Knowing the answer to this question does not imply you will know what to do with the information.

      This test does not really "fix" anything, so to speak, but it is intended to help you realize when you are in a sunken cost fallacy situation.

      Details

      What is the Sunken Cost Fallacy?

      The sunk cost fallacy is our tendency to follow through with something that we’ve already invested heavily in (be it time, money, effort, or emotional energy), even when giving up is clearly a better idea.

      As an example, consider you moved to a new country to start a new job, but the job really isn't what you thought it would be. You hate going to the job everyday, every aspect of it. However, you feel compelled to stick it out, for various reasons. At some point you ask yourself, "knowing what I know now, that this job is not the right fit for me, would I make the same decision?" You answer "No", and thus realize you're in a Sunken Cost Fallacy situation, and you should make steps to removing yourself from that job.

      Speculation
      Often we end up in situations where we don't actually have all of the information to make a wise decision, whether that's our own doing, or for matters outside of our control (how could one truly know what a job is like without doing the job? how could one truly know what a different country is like if we haven't lived there before?). In these situations, since we don't like to focus on what we can't control - not knowing the unknown-We get stuck in the sunken cost fallacy, because that is something we do know and have control over. "I've already put so much effort into this, I can't quit now" or "I can make this work, is it really that bad?"

      I hope what I've written makes sense, but like all things to do with the mind, it's hard to explain outloud.

      10 votes

    2. I am looking for 100% ad-free apps for older adults with dementia. Things like jigsaw puzzles, coloring and the like. Paid is fine.

      Ask (recommendations)
      I work in IT, and was the caregiver for both my parents as they aged. You'd think I would be the one that people turn to to ask this question, and yet I have been utterly frustrated by my attempts...

      I work in IT, and was the caregiver for both my parents as they aged. You'd think I would be the one that people turn to to ask this question, and yet I have been utterly frustrated by my attempts to find such.

      I have a few folks who are extended family and friends that are now in the early/mid stages of different forms of dementia, and a real pain point is that they no longer have the capacity to recognize ads, and will unfailingly click and install scam apps via the Apple store. Think things like 'cleaner' apps that have a $50/week subscription fee, and other abusive tactics. The #1 subject I get called about is some ad popping up after they've finished a puzzle, and now they think they're out of space, and in a panic.

      This is not a small problem. The coloring and puzzles they can still do bring them happiness and stability through their day; removal of the ipads entirely causes them a lot of stress. (TV is nothing but ragebait, and a non-starter. They do have books on tape, but get tired of listening rather quickly.)

      I have been completely unable to locate ad-free, paid versions of these types of apps. I'm not looking for free. I don't care about the cost. I just need apps that only do what they say they do, and don't have unexpected pop-ups, ads, or anything else, and I thought perhaps the folks here might know of some.

      Any ideas?

      [edit] Only five hours in, and I've already gotten more insightful, helpful responses than anywhere else I've asked. You all are the best.

      56 votes

    3. Looking for eclectic and little-known websites that bring joy

      Ask (recommendations)
      Given the current state of things, I have been trying to avoid internet sites that could trigger anxiety. This is harder to do that I thought it would be. So I'm reaching out to the fine and...

      Given the current state of things, I have been trying to avoid internet sites that could trigger anxiety. This is harder to do that I thought it would be. So I'm reaching out to the fine and resourceful Tildes collective for links to sites that are less known, and may provide, if not joy, at least interest, uniqueness maybe, fun, or education? Stuff that may be comforting, engrossing, or diverting to give some respite to those of us who are feeling pretty crushed.

      Here are two sites I can offer, but I don't want to limit anyone's idea of what might be a good suggestion.

      Futility Closet "is a collection of entertaining curiosities in history, literature, language, art, philosophy, and mathematics, designed to help you waste time as enjoyably as possible." (description from their about page)

      Strange Company bills itself as "a Walk of the Weird Side of History"

      (edited to add links)

      60 votes

    4. Reports/surveys like The Trevor Project report for other populations?

      Ask (recommendations)
      Hey folks, I have been following The Trevor Project's survey for a few years now and their 2023 one is just presented in a fantastic, easy to read and understand way so I think it's a great...

      Hey folks, I have been following The Trevor Project's survey for a few years now and their 2023 one is just presented in a fantastic, easy to read and understand way so I think it's a great resource and worth sharing

      The Trevor Project 2023 Survey on Mental Health in LGBTQ young people

      BUT, I'm also looking for similar reports focusing on other minoritized populations in particular, or (whether in part or in full) focusing on the age ranges covering college students. I'm struggling to find something nearly so comprehensive, but I'm also not sure I'm looking in the right way. The Steve Fund seems to be a great resource for mental health for students of color, for example, but doesn't have obviously available data like this

      10 votes