E74 Digital Overload in A Digital World - Health Messaging v. Bounded Rationality & Ego Depletion

In this episode, Ruth explores what happens when our brain’s decision-making battery runs flat — and why that matters deeply for health communication. Drawing on behavioural science concepts like ego depletion and bounded rationality, she shares how cognitive overload derails even the best campaigns. If your work relies on a calm, rational audience... it might be time to rethink.

This one’s short, sharp, and designed to make you pause.

Quote from the Episode:
“Are we adding pressure to a depleted brain — or clearing the way for action?”

What You'll Learn:

• What ego depletion actually is, and how it affects behaviour

• Why people don’t make ‘perfect’ decisions — and that’s okay

• The hidden mental cost of too many messages or choices

• How to design for clarity when your audience is distracted and overwhelmed

Why It Matters:
Health communication often assumes people are logical, focused, and ready to listen. But real-life decision-making doesn’t happen in a vacuum — it happens in a fog. Understanding the limits of mental energy can help you write, design, and plan with more compassion and impact.

Takeaway:
Clarity is a kindness. When you reduce the mental load for your audience, you reduce it for yourself too.

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