This or That?

The This or That generator is a binary decision tool that randomly selects between two user-provided options. While the concept is straightforward, the underlying randomness mechanism and the psychology of decision-making make it more interesting than it first appears.



When you enter two options and click to decide, the tool generates a random number using JavaScript's Math.random() function, which produces a pseudo-random floating-point number between 0 and 1. If the number is below 0.5, option A is selected; if 0.5 or above, option B is selected. This gives each option an equal 50% probability of being chosen — a fair, unbiased coin flip applied to your specific choices.



The pseudo-random number generator (PRNG) used by Math.random() is seeded by the browser's internal state, which incorporates system timing and entropy sources to produce unpredictable sequences. While not cryptographically secure, it provides sufficient randomness for decision-making purposes.



Beyond pure randomness, this tool serves a psychological function. Research in decision science shows that people often know their true preference but struggle to commit. When the random choice is revealed, your immediate emotional reaction — relief or disappointment — clarifies your actual preference. The tool becomes a mirror for your own desires rather than a true decision-maker.

1. Breaking Decision Paralysis
Psychologists call it the "paradox of choice" — when facing two equally appealing options, people freeze and delay deciding. This tool forces a resolution, and your gut reaction to the result reveals your true preference. If you feel disappointed, choose the other option. Either way, the paralysis is broken.



2. Party Games & Icebreakers
This or That is a popular party game format where players choose between two options to reveal preferences and spark conversations. Using a random generator adds surprise and humor — players can debate why they agree or disagree with the random pick.



3. Content Creation Decisions
Bloggers, YouTubers, and social media creators facing multiple content ideas can use random selection to overcome analysis paralysis. When both ideas are viable, random selection prevents perfectionism from delaying publication.



4. Everyday Life Choices
Restaurant vs. takeout? Movie vs. show? Run vs. gym? For low-stakes daily decisions that consume disproportionate mental energy, outsourcing the choice to randomness preserves willpower for decisions that truly matter.



5. Team & Classroom Activities
Teachers and team leads can use This or That as a warm-up activity — presenting categories (pizza or tacos, beach or mountains) and having participants move to sides of the room. The random generator can then "settle" the debate with an official answer.

• Pay attention to your gut reaction: The real value of this tool is not the random answer but your emotional response to it. If the result disappoints you, that disappointment is data — choose the other option.



• Use for low-stakes decisions only: Random choice is great for deciding where to eat or what to watch. Do not use it for significant life decisions like career changes or financial commitments.



• Make options specific: Instead of "go out" vs. "stay in," try "Italian restaurant on 5th Street" vs. "movie night with popcorn." Specific options produce more useful results.



• Set a rule to follow the result: Before clicking, agree with yourself (or your group) that the random result is binding. This commitment eliminates the temptation to keep re-rolling until you get the answer you wanted.



• Use as a tiebreaker after discussion: When a group genuinely cannot reach consensus between two options, a random pick is the fairest resolution and avoids power dynamics.



• Try the "best of three" approach: If one pick feels wrong, try best of three. If you still want to override the majority result, your preference is clear.