TED: The psychology of your future self | Dan Gilbert

The video explores how decisions made in youth often lead to regret in later life due to a misconception about the stability of personal values, personality, and preferences. Research shows that people underestimate how much they will change over a decade, a phenomenon called the 'end of history illusion.' This illusion affects decision-making, leading individuals to overvalue current preferences. The video emphasizes that change is constant, and understanding this can improve future decision-making.

What is a common misconception about the rate of change in our lives?

• Change stops after middle age.

• Change is constant throughout life.

• Change accelerates as we age.

• Change slows down as we age.

What is the 'end of history illusion'?

• The belief that history repeats itself.

• The belief that personal change has stopped.

• The belief that change is unpredictable.

• The belief that change is constant.

How do people generally perceive changes in their personal values over a decade?

• They overestimate the changes.

• They accurately predict the changes.

• They believe values never change.

• They underestimate the changes.

Which of the following is NOT a fundamental dimension of personality according to psychologists?

• Creativity

• Extraversion

• Openness to experience

• Neuroticism

How do people typically view their friendships over a decade?

• They believe friendships will remain the same.

• They are unsure about the future of friendships.

• They expect friendships to change significantly.

• They think friendships will end.

Why do people overpay for current preferences?

• They value past experiences more.

• They are influenced by peers.

• They underestimate future changes.

• They have more disposable income.

What is a key reason people struggle to imagine future changes?

• They have too many options.

• They are content with the present.

• They lack imagination.

• They focus on the past.