“Hide competitive stats”

Seth Godin

by Seth Godin

February 20, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Playing an online word game for several months taught the author a valuable lesson about competitive stats: they can harm your mood and create unhealthy habits. After realizing how negatively their rankings (like #398) affected their experience, the author discovered a way to hide these stats. This simple change dramatically improved their gameplay enjoyment, highlighting the often-overlooked impact of competition on user well-being. The article points out that competitive stats are not always helpful for users—they exist primarily to benefit the system and its operators. While they can motivate some players, they often lead to stress and discouragement for others. By hiding these stats, the author was able to focus more on their own enjoyment of the game rather than constantly comparing themselves to thousands of other players. From a business perspective, this insight into user behavior is crucial. Companies that prioritize customer experience by offering options to customize or hide competitive metrics can foster greater satisfaction and engagement. This approach aligns with growing trends in consumer psychology, where businesses are encouraged to create environments that cater to individual preferences rather than enforcing uniform standards of competition. Ultimately, the decision to hide stats reflects a broader shift in how we view competition and success. By giving users control over their experience, companies can build more loyal relationships and foster long-term engagement. This strategy not only supports customer satisfaction but also demonstrates a deeper understanding of human behavior and the importance of mental well-being in digital interactions.

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Originally published on Seth Godin on 2/20/2026