
In a groundbreaking study, researchers at Stanford University have finally answered the age-old question: How many times does the average person check their refrigerator hoping for new food to magically appear?
The study, which spanned five years and involved 10,000 participants across 50 countries, revealed that humans open their fridges an astonishing 22 times per day, with 15 of those instances driven purely by wishful thinking.
Lead researcher Dr. Emma Coldstone explained, “We’ve discovered a phenomenon we’re calling ‘Schrödinger’s Snack’ – the belief that if you don’t observe the inside of your fridge, new food might spontaneously generate.”
The research team employed cutting-edge technology, including smart fridges and AI-powered cameras, to track participants’ behavior. They found that peak fridge-checking times occurred at 11 PM and 2 AM, coinciding with late-night cravings.
Surprisingly, the study also uncovered a direct correlation between the frequency of fridge checks and the proximity of grocery day. “The closer people get to their scheduled shopping trip, the more often they engage in hopeful peeking,” noted Dr. Coldstone.
Psychologists are hailing this research as a breakthrough in understanding human optimism. “It’s remarkable how we never lose hope that leftovers might have multiplied or a cake materialized,” commented Dr. Dan Ariely of Duke University, who was not involved in the study.
The findings have already inspired a new self-help book: “Close the Door on Disappointment: Mastering Your Fridge-Checking Habits.”