Streisand Effect

Definition

The phenomenon where an attempt to hide, remove, or censor a piece of content has the unintended consequence of drawing more attention to that content.

Origin

Named for Barbra Streisand, whose 2013 attempt to suppress photographs of her beachside mansion in California inadvertently drew much more attention to it.

Everyday Use

Sometimes by trying to remove something from our lives, or attempting to distract ourselves from it, in turn gives it greater attention and even power over us (bad habits, procrastination).