"The Uncertain Mind: How the Brain Handles the Unknown"

"The Uncertain Mind: How the Brain Handles the Unknown"

Our brain is wired to reduce uncertainty. The unknown is synonymous with threats that pose risks to our survival. The more we know, the more we can make accurate predictions and shape our future. Metacognitive strategies can help us think better and manage the anxiety that arises from the unknown.

To ensure our survival, we become hypervigilant to potential threats. First, uncertainty impacts our attention. The sense of threat degrades our ability to focus. Put simply, their results suggest that our brain redirects its energy towards resolving uncertainty, at the expense of other cognitive tasks. And uncertain situations force us to use additional working memory resources.

In the words of Samuli Laato, a researcher at the University of Turku: “Uncertainty always increases cognitive load. Stressors such as health threat, fear of unemployment, and fear of consumer market disruptions all [cause] cognitive load.”

By using thinking tools, we can offload some of the burden uncertainty puts on our mind, so we can regain control of our attention and free our working memory resources—and, ultimately, think more clearly in times of uncertainty.

Rather, uncertainty is multifaceted, with many flavors that should be treated differently. The Uncertainty Matrix, sometimes called the Rumsfeld Matrix, is a tool that can be used to help make decisions when facing an uncertain situation.

The matrix consists of four quadrants: Known-Knowns, Known-Unknowns, Unknown-Knowns, and Unknowns-Unknowns. When dealing with a Known-Unknown, we conduct experiments to gather more information, so we can close some of our knowledge gaps and turn those Known-Unknown into Known–Knowns. For Unknown-Knowns, explore our assumptions—the things we don’t know we know—and identify biases in those assumptions, so we can potentially replace them with factual data.

“The oldest and strongest emotion of humankind is fear, and the oldest and strongest kind of fear is fear of the unknown,” wrote H.P. Lovecraft.

"The Rise in Popularity of the Voice Chat App 'Parallel': Connecting to Another Reality and the Trap of User Hearing on Whether You Want It or Not" (Translated)

Imagine a virtual version of LINE. The popularity of "Parallel," a voice chat app, is spreading among virtual and gaming friends. When we actually released it, the feedback that the sound quality was amazing was very strong. Users initially claimed they didn't need it, but when they actually used it, they realized it was something they wanted. There are clearly more dedicated users for Parallel with game accounts than real accounts.

Incorporating Unique Insight:

The connection between the two seemingly unrelated topics of brain function and a voice chat app lies in the concept of uncertainty. Both situations involve the unknown, which triggers certain responses in our brain and influences our decision-making process.

Actionable Advice:

1. Embrace uncertainty: Instead of fearing the unknown, acknowledge it as an opportunity for growth and learning. Embrace uncertainty and use it as a catalyst for exploring new possibilities.

2. Practice metacognition: Develop metacognitive strategies to better understand your thinking process. By becoming aware of your cognitive biases and mental habits, you can improve your decision-making skills and effectively navigate uncertain situations.

3. Experiment and gather information: When faced with a Known-Unknown, conduct experiments and gather data to close knowledge gaps. By actively seeking information, you can turn unknowns into knowns and make more informed decisions.

In conclusion, the human brain has a natural aversion to the unknown due to its association with potential threats. However, by understanding how our brain handles uncertainty and employing thinking tools such as the Uncertainty Matrix, we can navigate uncertain situations with greater clarity and make better decisions. Additionally, the rise in popularity of voice chat apps like Parallel demonstrates the importance of experiencing and testing new technologies before forming judgments. Embracing uncertainty, practicing metacognition, and actively gathering information are key strategies for effectively managing and thriving in uncertain times.