Blind spots: The (social) factors of willful ignorance

Abstract

Willful ignorance – ignoring the negative consequences one's actions may have on others – is often attributed to the desire to preserve a positive self-image while acting self-servingly. While recent research has started to emphasize the importance of social influences and norms in shaping individuals' tendencies to avoid information, a comprehensive understanding of these factors underlying the prevalence of willful ignorance remains elusive. In this review, we propose that willful ignorance is more accurately understood as a socially embedded phenomenon. We accomplish this by synthesizing emerging research on the social aspects of willful ignorance and considering the interplay between social and individual factors. Finally, we compare how this perspective can enhance our understanding of related phenomena where individuals rationalize their self-serving behaviors.