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MENTAL MODEL · M2380

Scarcity Principle

Scarcity Principle
BehaviorHigh supportSocial Psychology
Included
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Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-30

CORE DEFINITION

Cialdini proposed that when something becomes scarce or limited, its perceived value and attractiveness increase dramatically, making people desire it more.

SCAFFOLDING EFFECT

psychology

Reduce cognitive load

Scarcity increases the perceived value and attractiveness of an item.

anchor

Anchor fast decisions

The lower the availability of an item or opportunity, the higher its perceived value, and limitations trigger reactance and urgency, making people want to possess it more. The 'risk of loss' created by scarcity is more motivating than the 'possibility of gain'.

MINIMUM ACTION

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Source support: Explicit

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    en.wikipedia.orghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scarcity_(social_psychologyZH · Explicit
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