The Forbidden Fruit Effect: Why We Crave What We Cannot Have

How to Use It to Our Advantage

Photo by Silvia Trigo from Pexels.

“People are obsessed with what they don't allow themselves to have, and then they become controlled by it. Forbidden fruit is everyone's main meal.” —Madeleine Ryan

It is a curious phenomenon that humans are often drawn to something they cannot or should not have. Whether cheating on a test, eating junk food, or spending too much on shopping sprees, we are fascinated by the allure of the forbidden. 

For many of us, there seems to be something compelling about crossing boundaries and defying social norms. This dynamic can be seen as early as childhood: even young children explore the world with intense curiosity and delight, eager to try new things and break the rules.

At the root of this impulse, some psychologists suggest, is our innate desire for novelty and excitement. In a complex world of inanimate objects and predictable routines, the wonder of danger can sometimes feel like a breath of fresh air. 

This desire may also reflect our need for autonomy …