The default effect, also known as the standard effect, is a psychological phenomenon that significantly influences our decision-making behaviour. This effect occurs when people tend to choose the default option or the status quo in the face of uncertainty or a lack of information. In other words, people tend to favour the option that is already pre-set or considered the standard in their decision-making.

The default effect is widespread in various areas of our lives. A good example of this can be found in the settings of software and apps. Often, certain options or privacy settings are already preset. Most people tend to keep these default settings, even if they don't know exactly what they mean. This can lead to personal data being shared without users intending it.

The default effect is also very important in financial matters. For example, if a company's employees are enrolled in a company pension scheme, unless they actively choose something else, many will automatically opt for this option as it is the default choice. This shows how the default effect can influence our financial decisions.

The default effect is also used in politics. In elections, candidates who are at the top of the ballot paper can have an advantage, as voters tend to vote for the first options when they are unsure.

Psychologists and behavioural economists have studied the default effect extensively to understand how it influences our behaviour. They use this knowledge to design better decision-making architectures that help people make more informed decisions.

It is important to recognise that the default effect is not necessarily rational. People often choose the default option without thoroughly scrutinising it, which can lead to sub-optimal results. It therefore makes sense to be aware of the existence of this effect and to carefully consider whether the default option is really the best choice when making important decisions.

Overall, the default effect shows how strongly our behaviour can be influenced by small presets and standard options. It is an interesting psychological phenomenon that plays a role in many aspects of our daily lives and has a significant impact on our decision-making behaviour.