New research suggests that people often assign specialness to unused possessions over time, leading to “specialness spirals.” These spirals are a significant reason behind clutter accumulation in homes, as items gain perceived specialness, and individuals become less likely to use or discard them. The study found that when individuals postponed using an item, the object felt more special, making them less likely to use it later.
Key Points:
- The phenomenon of “nonconsumption,” when people decide not to use something at a given time, can lead to an accrual of specialness over time. As a result, the object becomes less likely to be used in the future, thereby contributing to clutter.
- The research encompassed six experiments, including scenario-based ones with notebooks, wine bottles, and TV episodes. When participants initially declined to use these items, they were significantly less likely to use them later.
- This nonconsumption isn’t about the lack of utility of the items but rather about them gaining specialness. An experiment with a hypothetical bottle of wine showed that participants who imagined refraining from opening the wine saw it as more special and were less likely to intend to open it later.
- The researchers concluded that encountering a truly special occasion could break this cycle of specialness, making people more likely to use the previously unused item.
- To counter specialness spirals and the accumulation of clutter, the researchers suggest committing in advance to use an item on a specific occasion. This way, one could limit the number of times they consider—but ultimately forgo—using things, encouraging the enjoyment of possessions.
