13 Biases That Impact Our Thinking
Biases are shortcuts our brains use to process information quickly, but they often lead to inaccurate judgments.
Today we're diving into a topic that affects every single one of us:
Identifying Our Own Bias
We're all biased in one way or another.
Biases get a bad rap, but they can be both helpful and harmful. Our brains are complex systems, constantly recording, categorizing, and analyzing experiences. Biases are shortcuts our brains use to help us process information quickly.
But they can also lead to inaccurate judgments, irrational behaviors, and false narratives. As individuals seeking growth, it's crucial to recognize these biases in ourselves and others.
Why does this matter?
Our biases shape how we see the world, make decisions, and interact with others. When we're unaware of them, we operate on autopilot, making choices that don't align with our true values or goals. We miss out on opportunities, misunderstand situations, and even hurt others without realizing it.
By understanding our biases, we gain the power to challenge our assumptions, broaden our viewpoint, and make more intentional choices.
13 Common Biases That Might Be Impacting Your Life:
Confirmation Bias
Our brains welcome information that confirms what we already think and resists information that contradicts our existing beliefs.
This bias leads us to automatically accept ideas that align with our current thinking, while dismissing contradictory evidence. For example, if we believe a certain diet is best, we might eagerly read articles supporting that diet while ignoring or discrediting studies that suggest otherwise.
Complexity Bias
The human brain prefers a simple lie to a complex truth.
We're more likely to believe an easy-to-understand falsehood than a complicated reality, even if the latter is factually correct. This is why oversimplified explanations for complex issues often gain traction, even when they're inaccurate.
Community Bias
Our brain finds it hard to see something that our group doesn't want us to see. We tend to prioritize our tribe's perspective over objective truth, often engaging in group think rather than considering alternative viewpoints.
Complementary Bias
If people are nice to us, we're more open to their ideas.
We tend to mirror back the attitude we receive from others, which can make us more receptive or closed off to what they have to say, regardless of the merit of their ideas. This bias can be particularly problematic for people who struggle with self-esteem, as they might be more susceptible to flattery or criticism.
Contact Bias
If we lack contact with someone, we struggle to see things from their perspective.
Our worldview is shaped by the people we interact with regularly, making it challenging to understand the experiences of those we don't often encounter. This bias underscores the importance of diversity in our social and professional circles to broaden our understanding of different perspectives.
Political Bias
Our brains like to see things as our political party sees them, and we tend to align ourselves with those who share our views. This bias can lead us to automatically accept or reject ideas based on their political affiliation rather than their merit.
Conscientious Bias
Our brain sees from a person's level of cognitive maturity.
We tend to believe what respected figures say is possible or impossible, sometimes without critically examining their claims. This bias can lead us to accept ideas from those we perceive as authorities, even when their expertise might not extend to the topic at hand.
Competency Bias
Our brains prefer to think of ourselves as above average, making it difficult for us to accurately assess our own competence or incompetence. This bias can lead to overconfidence in our abilities. It's why many people rate themselves as above-average drivers, even though statistically, this can't be true for everyone.
Confidence Bias
We often mistake confidence for competence.
This bias makes us vulnerable to believing false information presented with conviction. It's why charismatic leaders or persuasive salespeople can sometimes sway us, even when their claims lack substance.
Conspiracy Bias
When we feel shame, we're especially vulnerable to stories that cast us as victims of an evil conspiracy.
Our brains prefer narratives where we're either the hero or the victim, but never the villain. This bias can lead people to embrace conspiracy theories that explain away their failures or shortcomings as the result of external forces working against them.
Comfort, Complacency, or Convenience Bias
Our brains welcome data that allows us to relax and be happy, while rejecting information that requires us to adjust, work, or inconvenience ourselves. This bias can lead to inaction or resistance to change. It's why we might hit the snooze button instead of getting up to exercise, even when we know working out is good for us.
Catastrophe or Normalcy Bias
Our brains are wired to establish a baseline of normalcy and assume that what feels normal has always been and will remain okay.
This can cause us to minimize threats and be vulnerable to slowly developing disasters. It's why people might ignore early warning signs of health issues or environmental problems, assuming things will continue as they always have.
Cash Bias
Our brains are wired to see within the framework of our economy, and we tend to focus on what helps us make money.
It's challenging to see anything that interferes with our ability to make a living, which can lead to financial tunnel vision. This bias might cause someone to stay in an unfulfilling job for financial security, even when other options could lead to greater long-term satisfaction and success.
Your action step for this week:
Pick one bias from this list and observe how it shows up in your life.
Notice when it influences your thoughts or decisions. By becoming aware, you're taking the first step towards more intentional living.
Warmly,
Mike Foster