“DON’T BELIEVE” | Everything you Think

This bumper-sticker immediately caught my attention, and I was also instantly curious and a little uncomfortable. It was easy to see how others mistakenly believe everything they think, but it became uncomfortable as I looked in the mirror. I also tend to believe everything I think, and my discomfort led me to do some research. I learned that the way humans perceive and interpret information is called Cognitive bias.

Cognitive bias is the brain's attempt to simplify information as it is processed. This leads to mental shortcuts that can sometimes result in irrational judgments or decisions. Cognitive biases can influence various aspects of our behavior, including decision-making, problem-solving, interpersonal relationships and, most commonly, opinions.

There are numerous cognitive biases that can affect our thinking, our decisions, and our opinions. Here are a few.

Confirmation Bias. This bias involves seeking out information that confirms our existing beliefs and ignoring evidence that contradicts them.

Intensity Bias. This bias occurs when we overestimate the importance of the limited information that is available to us. The lack of more complete information can lead us down the emotional path where we attach feelings of fear, anxiety, and apprehension. On a more positive note, we can also attach intense feelings of joy, celebration and enthusiasm. Intensity bias can lead to some decisions that are regrettable like spending too much money or believing advertising without critical thinking.

Anchoring Bias. This is the tendency to rely heavily on the first piece of information encountered when making decisions. This makes the process more simple for our brains, but results in limited knowledge and regrettable decisions.

Overconfidence Bias. This bias leads one to overestimate their abilities, knowledge, or judgment, leading to risky decision-making and potential errors.

Bandwagon Bias. This is the tendency to do or believe things because many other people believe these things without considering our individual judgment, critical thinking and exploring history.

These are just a few examples of cognitive biases that can influence our decision-making processes. Being aware of these biases and actively working to mitigate their effects can help improve our judgment and lead to more rational and informed choices. Recognizing and counteracting cognitive biases is an important skill that can lead to better decision-making and more accurate judgments. Here are some strategies and techniques that can help people address cognitive biases in different situations:

Awareness. The first step is to be aware that cognitive bias really exists. This is one of the first lessons for developing critical thinking. Regularly reflect on one’s decision-making process and be mindful of the potential biases that may be influencing one’s judgment.

Seek Contradictory Evidence. Actively seek out information that contradicts your existing beliefs and opinions. This can help counteract confirmation bias by providing a more balanced perspective. This can be very difficult because of our overconfidence bias.

Consider Multiple Perspectives. When making decisions, try to consider different viewpoints and perspectives. This can help counteract biases such as the anchoring and bandwagon biases by broadening one’s understanding and comprehension of situations and ideas.

Consult with Others. Seek input from others to gain diverse perspectives and challenge one’s own assumptions. This can help mitigate biases like the bandwagon effect.

Challenge Assumptions. Regularly question one’s assumptions and preconceptions. This can help counteract biases by encouraging a more critical and reflective approach to decision-making.

At many times in history we can recognize how cognitive bias has greatly helped create some terrible and even horrific decisions. Cognitive bias has also been used to control people in very large groups to think very biased and uninformed mindsets and realities. Human history is filled with examples of the destructive power of cognitive bias that is fed on fear, hate, ignorance and the inability to think critically thus challenging our own biases. I think the best advice for all of us is……

“Don’t Believe Everything You Think”