All Under Control

Have a lucky ritual? Or perhaps the lights change just when you want them to? We like to believe we can influence events - but Gabriela Herpell explains whats really going on.

The rubbish bag’s leaking and dripping down the stairs, and my bike’s been surrounded by seven others. Harassed, I eventually make it to the traffic lights and press the yellow button. Nothing happens, so I try using my whole hand. Lo and behold, it flashes, telling me my turn will soon come. I nod contentedly, feeling more patient now.

Fool me once, fool me twice

The female pedestrian next to me smiles gently and says that no matter how often you press, tap or place your hand over it, the lights will still do what they want. The lights turn green. I think everything points to the fact that the lights turned green because I pressed the button. The lady seems to read my mind, and says, with that same smile which I now feel is rather triumphant, “It’s meant to make you feel like you have control. But you don’t. Half the traffic lights across the city switch at the same time, whether you press them or not.”

I smile back politely, wishing her a good day. “It’s called the illusion of control, by the way,” she calls back over her shoulder.