The Barnum effect can negatively impact people’s decisions and behavior. When individuals believe vague statements are personally true, they may make choices based on misleading information. For example, someone might avoid dating a person simply because their zodiac signs are said to be incompatible. Others may feel worried or fearful after reading a negative horoscope and change their plans unnecessarily. The effect can also influence people in many other ways. Marketers often use broad but positive messages, such as claiming a product is “perfect for your unique needs,” to make people feel personally targeted.
巴納姆效應會對人們的決策和行為產生負面影響。當人們相信模糊的陳述與自身情況相符時，他們可能會基於誤導性資訊做出選擇。例如，有人可能會因為星座不合就避免與某人約會。其他人則可能在閱讀負面的星座運勢後感到擔憂或恐懼，並沒必要地改變他們的計畫。巴納姆效應也會以其他許多方式影響人們。行銷人員經常使用廣泛但正面的訊息，例如聲稱某個產品「完美契合您的獨特需求」，讓人們感覺產品為其量身打造。
生活必備字詞：
misleading a. 誤導的
information n. 資訊；資料
fearful a. 害怕的
target vt.（廣告或產品）以……為對象∕目標
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本文節錄自《常春藤生活英語》雜誌，完整內容請見七月號。
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