The diderot effect refers to the way a newly purchased product fails to deliver on the happiness it promised, and instead causes our other possessions to suddenly look timeworn and in need of replacement. It takes its inspiration from an essay by the enlightenment philosopher Denis Diderot, in which he laments how a new dressing gown has made his other clothes look like rags and he suddenly feels “discordant.” How to put this psychological weakness into play? In much the same way Ikea or any home goods retailer does: through suggested add-ons. (“Now that you’re ordering that new dining table, shouldn’t you consider those glasses and plates, too?) Is it manipulative? We’d argue not. It’s not your fault that stylish new fashion ring is making her 20-year old engagement ring look a little dated and in need of an upgrade.
