Rational Ignorance Theory

Rational Ignorance Theory suggests that individuals may choose not to become fully informed about certain issues because the cost (time, effort, money) of gaining that knowledge outweighs the potential benefit. Essentially, people make a rational decision to remain uninformed if their transfer of knowledge won't significantly influence outcomes, such as voting or policy decisions. This behavior explains why many voters or consumers may not seek out detailed information on complex topics, trusting in simplified summaries or relying on others’ expertise instead. It highlights the cost-benefit balance in the decision to acquire knowledge in various contexts.