#cognitive-bias

#cognitive-bias

The problem of people falling for falsehoods has become an urgent issue in recent years, as new technologies have conspired with sociopolitical currents within the culture to spread misinformation at unprecedented speed and reach. Psychologists who study this issue have focused mainly on individual vulnerabilities: the cognitive quirks and biases that predispose us to believe falsehoods, buy into lies, and give in to speculation.

Thinking forward is an automatic process. Cause, then effect. Input, then output. A to B. It feels logical-and normal to start with a conclusion, then find justification around it.But we can always take our thinking a step further. Sometimes, the best way to get the answers you want is to think backwards. It's called mental inversion. Turn the whole thinking process upside down. As the great algebraist Carl Jacobi said, "Invert, always invert."

Everyone employs bias-otherwise known as cognitive shortcuts-in their lives every day. Imagine you're scrolling through your social media feed and immediately dismiss a news article because it comes from a source you don't typically trust. Or maybe you're convinced your favorite restaurant is the best in town, remembering all the great meals you've eaten there while forgetting that mediocre dinner last month.

"I had not realized ... that extremely short exposures to a relatively simple computer program could induce powerful delusional thinking in quite normal people."

The cave symbolizes mental entrapment in illusions, reflecting cultural narratives and emotional defenses that influence perceptions and hinder true understanding.

The investment decisions people make are often influenced by cognitive biases that can lead to irrational decisions or behavior contrary to personal financial goals. Cognitive biases, like the status quo bias, showcase a tendency to prefer existing circumstances over change.

People frequently underestimate task durations due to the planning fallacy, causing projects to run over budget and behind schedule,

The spinning ballerina optical illusion has sparked lively debates on which way she spins, suggesting a link between perception and cognitive dominance.

When you catch yourself thinking you've found the clear solution to a problem, that's your cue to get suspicious. Chances are, you haven't uncovered the full complexity of the issue.