Technology As Innovator

VNExpress replicated a Reuters’ survey on “The time when people find themselves most happy” here.

On both Reuters’ and VNExpress’ surveys, men are found most happy going online.

They are actually happy online when they response to the survey more than 2.5 times than women do.

“I’m above average!”

Definition

The Lake Wobegon effect is the human tendency to overestimate one’s achievements and capabilities in relation to others.

It is named for the fictional town of Lake Wobegon from the radio series A Prairie Home Companion, where, according to Garrison Keillor, “all the women are strong, all the men are good-looking, and all the children are above average”.

In a similar way, a large majority of people claim to be above average. Experiments and surveys conducted to hundred thousands people from a variety of classes and from many background, have repeatedly shown that most people believe that they possess attributes that are better or more desirable than average.

Statistics

In achivement-driven societies like the US, the percentage of people showing Lake Wobegon effect is 80%. In other countries where people are taught to be humble, the rate is 70%.

The effect is socially conditioned

The effect reflects ingroup bias and wishful thinking. In contrast, people who admit that they are worse than average are considered self-handicapped and their behavior is treated as socially false consensus.

Logical reasoning

Mean of a series

If the GDP per capita of one country is X, anyone who make more than X are above average.

Binary series

10 students take the examination which result is either 1 (pass) or 0 (fail). Assuming 1 student fails, all other 9 are automatically above average.

System contained in a system

It is possible that all MIT students are above the average of a collection of universities.

Attitude

It is easier for people to spot others’ mistakes than their own, and when the experience becomes a reflex, it creates a tendency to perceive one’s self as superior to others.

Lake Wobegon effect shows human attitude toward survival: the stronger live.

Parents can treat their children as “above average” in order to boost their self-esteem.

Last word

Dare to be Wobegonally different by admitting that you’re not above average?

Game theory

Game theory describes situations where multiple players make decisions in an attempt to maximize their returns.

Schelling point

A Schelling point (also called focal point) is a solution that people will tend to use in the absence of communication, because it seems natural, special or relevant to them.

Consider a simple example: two people unable to communicate with each other are each shown a panel of four squares and asked to select one; if and only if they both select the same one, they will each receive a prize. Three of the squares are blue and one is red. Assuming they each know nothing about the other player, but that they each do want to win the prize, then they will, reasonably, both choose the red square. Of course, the red square is not in a sense a better square; they could win by both choosing any square. And it is the “right” square to select only if a player can be sure that the other player has selected it; but by hypothesis neither can. It is the most salient, the most notable square, though, and lacking any other one most people will choose it, and this will in fact (often) work.

My version of Schelling point

A classic question was asked: “You will meet someone. Who will you meet, at where, an when?”. I sent the question via an Instant Messenger.

I shall announce my results when more replies have been received.

What’s your answer to the above question?