Cognitive strain

Heard in 1 episode across 1 show since Sep 2026

Cognitive strain is a psychological state of heightened mental effort and active processing that occurs when the brain encounters complex, unfamiliar, or poorly presented information. Popularized by psychologist Daniel Kahneman, it stands in contrast to cognitive ease and triggers the brain's analytical, deliberate thinking processes (System 2) to resolve difficulties. This state increases vigilance and reduces intuitive errors, but also demands significant mental energy and can lead to fatigue.