Bias Binge #6 - I don't want to change a thing

The Status Quo Bias refers to an inflated preference for the current state of affairs even if change could actually be an obviously better option. 

A favourite example to bring this alive is the QWERTY keyboard which we still use. Now the QWERTY keyboard layout has its genesis in the days of the typewriter. Where the most commonly used letters were spread apart to avoid jamming or clashing of the hammers within the typewriter.

Simpler keyboard layouts have been tried and rejected since then although they are quite definitely easier than the QWERTY layout and even though the current generations will have little or nothing to do with typewriter hammers.

Now that we know what the status quo bias is let's take a look at this clip from one of my favourite movies that will bring out exactly how much of an impact it can have on the human mind. 

WARNING: THIS CLIP HAS DISTURBING CONTENT. VIEW AT YOUR DISCRETION. NOT FOR KIDS. 

Difficult as it may seem this bias can be overcome and the same film shows us once again how with some help we can overcome this bias. Take a look:

WARNING: SPOILER ALERT

If you have seen the movie do see the two clips again which so emotionally bring out the angst a status quo bias can bring in and how it can be gotten over. No wonder then this movie is such a classic. 

As I revisit these scenes and others, I can see how much there is to learn from it. I will attempt another post on the numerous other consumer insights this movie throws up in my section on Inexplicable Influences. Look our for it here.