What is rational ignorance effect refers to?

The rational ignorance effect refers to the phenomenon where individuals choose to remain uninformed about a particular issue because the cost of acquiring the information outweighs the perceived benefits. This is often observed in political contexts, where voters may opt not to educate themselves about complex issues or candidates, believing their individual vote will not significantly impact the outcome. As a result, people may prioritize their limited time and resources on issues that they believe will have a more direct effect on their lives.