99percentinvisible.org: User Illusion: Everyday ‘Placebo Buttons’ Create Semblance of Control

http://99percentinvisible.org/article/user-illusion-everyday-placebo-buttons-create-semblance-control/

In the early 2000s, New York City transportation officials finally admitted what many had suspected: the majority of crosswalk buttons in the city are completely disconnected from the traffic light system. Thousands of these initially worked to request a signal change but most no longer do anything, even if their signage suggests otherwise.

Each of these seemingly disconnected everyday buttons you pressed may have something in common: it is quite possible that none of them did a thing to influence the world around you. Any perceived impact may simply have been imaginary, a placebo effect giving you the illusion of control.