How does regret associated with the "paradox of choice" affect audience behavior?

The choice that indicates viewers tend to graze through channels highlights a significant effect of the paradox of choice. When faced with an overwhelming number of options, individuals often experience regret or anxiety about making a choice. This regret stems from the fear of selecting an option that they may later feel dissatisfied with or miss out on a potentially better alternative.

In the context of media consumption, this feeling often leads viewers to avoid fully committing to any one program. Instead of picking a show and engaging with it, they may skim through various channels and programming options, searching for something that feels perfect or better aligned with their preferences. This behavior reflects a coping mechanism to alleviate the stress associated with making a definitive choice in an environment abundant with alternatives. Consequently, viewers may end up consuming less content overall or not fully investing their attention in any particular program.