CURSE OF KNOWLEDGE: Woe From Wit

The curse of knowledge is a case of information asymmetry that harms communication.

It happens when a person in an interaction knows more than her counterpart and, assuming knowledge to be self-evident, omits information. However, the receiver cannot get the message without the omitted information.

Information asymmetry exists in every communication, as we all are different, but it is not critical in many cases. Also, when we speak the same language and come from the same socio-educational background, we can readily detect and decrease uncertainty by asking questions and getting answers.

Yet, in many cases, information asymmetry might be so pronounced that people cannot understand one another; thus, any joint action becomes impossible.

Trust in relationships helps level the asymmetry and minimize the consequence of the curse of knowledge.

{TRUST, INFORMATION ASYMMETRY, COMMUNICATION PRINCIPLES, INFORMATION}