The Psychology of Randomization: Why We Love Coin Flips and Spinning Wheels

The term randomization is derived from the term “Random.” If something is random, then it means it happened by chance rather than conscious thought or decision.

Humans have come up with a lot of ways to decide on things randomly. One of the most popular ways is the iconic coin flip. However, coin flips only work for binary decisions. 

The wheel spinner is the tool of choice when dealing with non-binary decisions. You can put any number of outcomes on a wheel and spin to randomly select one.

Today, the question is why do people love randomization? More specifically, why do people like to use things like coin flips and wheel spins to do it? After all, getting a third party to select an outcome using their gut feeling is also not “random?”

In this article, we have highlighted the reasons why people love randomization and why the preferred method is coins and wheels.

Why Do People Like Randomization with Coin Flips and Wheel Spinners?

We have compiled five reasons that explain the general favor towards randomization using coins and wheels. They are discussed in detail below.

1. Gamification of Decision Making

First of all, coins and wheels are popular for random decision-making because they make the process appear like a game. Humans like entertainment, and games are a well-known source of that.

So, the gamification of the process is welcomed by most people because, to them, it makes the process more entertaining. 

Gamifying decision-making is effective when dealing with young children.  They may not understand the process of randomization without using such elements. 

So, that’s why digital tools like Flip a Coin and spin the wheel are so well received among children. 

As for adults, they can feel like a kid again and have fun, so they aren’t opposed to using such tools for randomized decisions.

1. Seemingly Fair and Unbiased

Random decisions made with a coin flip or a wheel spin are  typically perceived as “fair” or “unbiased.” This is because there is no human involvement. 

The problem with human involvement is that you can never be truly sure that a decision was made without any bias. Humans are judging creatures. They make their own judgment about others based on their looks, clothes, behavior, and mannerisms. This is true even for people who have never met. 

So, even if you can get an unrelated third party to arbitrate a decision, there may still be some bias present.

With unfeeling tools like a coin or a wheel, no such bias is present. So, any decision based on those devices is bound to be fair. Most people understand this on a subconscious level, so they will go along with it.

1. No Decision Fatigue/Anxiety

Some people are chronic overthinkers. They think too long and too hard even about the simplest things because they don’t want to be wrong. Unfortunately, such folks become plagued with a condition known as decision anxiety or decision paralysis. 

This is a condition where the decision maker just takes too long pondering over all the factors that can affect their decision. Understandably, if the decision involves a group, you can expect there to be a time limit to the thinking/pondering stage.

To relieve one’s self from this crippling condition, one can simply choose to flip a coin or spin a wheel. This works because it is much easier to come to terms with something that has already happened rather than something that has yet to happen.

When the decision is made, it is final, and it is easier for everyone involved to see it through to the end instead of second-guessing it. This is why people love randomization because it saves them from so many headaches. 

1. Psychologically Comforting

A common reason why people face decision anxiety is due to feeling responsible for the outcome. If the outcome turns out to be bad, the guilt can eat away at someone for a long time. 

If the decision involves a group of people, the other people involved may also blame the decision maker for making a poor choice. This can cause rifts between relationships and cause people to drift apart or even become enemies. 

All of this can be avoided with randomization. If a decision were made based on chance, then there is nobody to blame. Everyone can collectively blame chance if a decision turns out poorly.

After all, saying something like “fate wasn’t on our side” is easier. It does not assign blame to anyone and everyone can walk away without their egos being hurt. 

For this reason, randomization is psychologically comforting. This is why people like it so much.

1. Excitement in Uncertainty

Randomization is exciting because you cannot predict the outcome. The uncertainty of the result is exciting to many people. The thrill of the unknown makes them giddy and they feel a rush that they normally cannot. 

Of course, this does not happen every time. It only happens when most outcomes of a decision are exciting as well. For example, when planning a trip you can have multiple locations to travel to. However, you can only go to one. If all of the locations interest you, the randomization of the decision may be exciting for you.

Similarly, in many people, randomization plays with the same psychological triggers that make gambling addictive. If the decision has some stakes for you and you stand to gain or lose something, then the randomization can definitely feel like you are gambling.

The addictive feeling can make people excited. So, that’s why they may choose to randomize any decisions they make with either a coin flip or a wheel spin. 

Conclusion

Randomization can be enjoyable to many people due to a variety of psychological reasons. These reasons can vary from emotional to logical. For example, people who get a kick out of the uncertainty of randomization are on the emotional spectrum. People who do it to avoid blame and be impartial are on the logical side. No matter which side you are on, randomization can be a helpful tool for you as well.