Hyperbolic Discounting: Why Users Quit Before They See the Value

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The “Future Self” is a Stranger

Neurologically, when you think about your “Future Self” (e.g., You in 5 years), your brain lights up in the same area as when you think about a complete stranger. We don’t empathize with our future selves. This is why we procrastinate.

Present Self: “I don’t want to do the dishes. I want to watch TV.”
Future Self: “I will have to do the dishes tomorrow.”

Hyperbolicdiscounting on My New Hugo Project

Hyperbolic Discounting: Why Users Quit Before They See the Value

The “Future Self” is a Stranger