Re: poly: Why Oldies Stations?

Being a neuroscientist and memory researcher I of course immediately
guess that it has to do with decreasing brain (mind?) plasticity, but
that's just my bias speaking.

Robin Hanson <hanson@econ.berkeley.edu> writes:

> Here are some theories to explain this pattern:
> 1) Only young people have the time to explore new ways of doing things.
> Older folks are too busy to reconsider these choices.

In that case we would notice that people with more time on their hands
would shift habits and preferences more. I don't think this is the
case, but I don't have supporting data.

> 2) The main function of these behaviors is to bond with and identify
> with a cohort. They are flags of allegiance.

Likely partially true. Going out with friends would reinforce mutual
similarities.

> 3) People invest in integrating this stuff into their lives, and so
> choices get entrenched. For example, one may learn that in a
> certain mood one likes a certain musician. Or one's clothing
> wardrobe may be coordinated with one's makeup style.

Also likely partially true, although it is not the whole
answer. Relative to their age and total effort, the time/energy taken
in integrating stuff in one's life is greater in the youth than in
older age.

Personally I believe it is a combination of 2, 3 and the plasticity
theory.

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Anders Sandberg                                      Towards Ascension!
asa@nada.kth.se                            http://www.nada.kth.se/~asa/
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