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bootman's review against another edition
5.0
I fell in love with the work of Cass Sunstein earlier this year, and I've binged his books. I've been waiting for months to finally get my hands on this new book, and it was definitely worth the wait. We're flooded with information and have more access to information than ever before, but how much information do we really need? Does too much information make us make bad decisions? If too much information makes us make bad decisions, then what's the moral and ethical obligation for places to provide that information?
I always love how Cass takes a look at various subjects and asks a wide range of questions about how we should handle topics based on what we know about human behavior. As always, this book was extremely unique, and I can't wait for his next book.
I always love how Cass takes a look at various subjects and asks a wide range of questions about how we should handle topics based on what we know about human behavior. As always, this book was extremely unique, and I can't wait for his next book.
thejoyofbooking's review against another edition
4.0
This is an academic overview of few narrow domains related to information access and information sharing. I doubt I had ever previously given any in-depth thought to the topic, but if asked I probably would have come down on the side of "right to know" - that individuals should be given as much information as possible in order to help them make decisions. The author does a great job of delineating the ways that more information may in fact be less helpful - particularly when it is likely to be unused even when provided, or when receiving it diminishes well-being (he shares an anecdote early on about having "ruined the popcorn" by being part of the team responsible for mandating calorie disclosures on restaurant and movie theater menus).
The book shines most during its analysis of HOW information should be provided. A key example is the redesign of the Food Pyramid from the 80s/90s actual pyramid illustrated to an almost incomprehensible design in 2005, before being replaced by My Plate. in 2011. Or the fact that when calories are presented to the left of the image of the food, that information leads to healthier choices, but doesn't have the same effect when presented to the right of an image (at least in languages that are read left-to-right; a study was replicated in Hebrew which is read right to left to find that the reverse is true, so it does seem as if encountering calorie info before imagery is more helpful).
In some places, the book becomes more dense than a popularly accessible nonfiction text generally does, but overall there's a lot to enjoy in this fairly short read.
The book shines most during its analysis of HOW information should be provided. A key example is the redesign of the Food Pyramid from the 80s/90s actual pyramid illustrated to an almost incomprehensible design in 2005, before being replaced by My Plate. in 2011. Or the fact that when calories are presented to the left of the image of the food, that information leads to healthier choices, but doesn't have the same effect when presented to the right of an image (at least in languages that are read left-to-right; a study was replicated in Hebrew which is read right to left to find that the reverse is true, so it does seem as if encountering calorie info before imagery is more helpful).
In some places, the book becomes more dense than a popularly accessible nonfiction text generally does, but overall there's a lot to enjoy in this fairly short read.
rick2's review against another edition
1.0
Cass attempts to make a case against the use or consumption of information that’s against your well-being or general happiness. Proposing what I imagine as a sort of human-ostrich hybrid, but instead of burying ones head in the sand, Cass demonstrates his concepts by burying his head up his own ass.
knightofthecloud's review against another edition
3.0
A delightful non-fiction book that discusses whether or not to "ruin the popcorn". Sunstein asks, when is information disclosure too much or too little? Also, when is information disclosure necessary? This book explores these questions and more.
The writing itself is excellent and well thought out. The only issue I see with the writing is the level of language used. It may not appeal to a wider audience. Word choice is also above a certain level of education. Perhaps using simpler words, with simpler explanations would help it appeal to a wider audience.
Sunstein uses a number of studies, experiments, and references to bring validity to her main argument. The only issue here, is the amount of references used. It may have been better to use less references, and focus on the arguments instead.
Overall, Too Much Information was a well thought out and interesting read. I would recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a more scientific approach to a philosophical subject.
The writing itself is excellent and well thought out. The only issue I see with the writing is the level of language used. It may not appeal to a wider audience. Word choice is also above a certain level of education. Perhaps using simpler words, with simpler explanations would help it appeal to a wider audience.
Sunstein uses a number of studies, experiments, and references to bring validity to her main argument. The only issue here, is the amount of references used. It may have been better to use less references, and focus on the arguments instead.
Overall, Too Much Information was a well thought out and interesting read. I would recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a more scientific approach to a philosophical subject.
virginiareads's review against another edition
3.0
I picked up a review copy of this book because I've read [b:Nudge: Improving Decisions About Health, Wealth, and Happiness|3450744|Nudge Improving Decisions About Health, Wealth, and Happiness|Richard H. Thaler|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1348322381l/3450744._SY75_.jpg|2535409], a very good book which was co-authored by Cass Sunstein.
Too Much Information has some very interesting points, explaining things like why marketing does not have to tell you the reasons the company did something but rather why it benefits you as a consumer, and how the presentation of information matters while a reduction in disclosures increases the saliency of the more important ones, and how disclosure requirements tend to be imposed "when less informed consumers interact with better-informed sellers and when the incentives of the consumers and sellers are at least arguably misaligned."
I would suggest this book for those who want to know more about the topic, especially given that the author was advisor to President Obama. However, it is a little drier than Nudge and does not provide a significant amount of new information if you have read Nudge or similar books. 3.5 stars
Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for a review copy.
Too Much Information has some very interesting points, explaining things like why marketing does not have to tell you the reasons the company did something but rather why it benefits you as a consumer, and how the presentation of information matters while a reduction in disclosures increases the saliency of the more important ones, and how disclosure requirements tend to be imposed "when less informed consumers interact with better-informed sellers and when the incentives of the consumers and sellers are at least arguably misaligned."
I would suggest this book for those who want to know more about the topic, especially given that the author was advisor to President Obama. However, it is a little drier than Nudge and does not provide a significant amount of new information if you have read Nudge or similar books. 3.5 stars
Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for a review copy.
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