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Cailey Tin

Threads of Perception: Unweaving the Tapestry of Cognitive Bias in Human Behavior

Updated: Jul 7

by Cailey Tin




In our daily choices, big and small, our behavior resembles a tapestry woven by our minds, especially pronounced in today's digital age of diverse opinions. Consequently, it's no surprise that our behavior emerges as a canvas shaped by the inherent perspectives of our minds.


Even preceding this contemporary age, our minds naturally process information through the lens of cognitive bias. The prevalence of open-ended situations and controversial opinions has only made it easier for us to shape and reinforce our perspectives.


This influence is particularly pronounced today, with social media exemplifying this pervasive impact. Providing unprecedented access to a myriad of viewpoints, social media comes with a significant caveat—our cognitive biases shape how we perceive and interpret the content we encounter, creating echo chambers where existing beliefs and behavioral patterns are fortified.

Studies suggest our minds lean towards familiar notions, avoiding the exploration of alternative perspectives. As commonly attributed to Mark Twain, “It's easier to fool people than to convince them that they have been fooled.”


The consequences of such biases extend from reinforcing echo chambers to broader societal implications, potentially leading to detrimental effects on human behavior. For instance, confirmation bias—the tendency to favor, interpret, or remember information confirming preexisting beliefs—may contribute to a polarized understanding of political matters. This fosters misinformation, deepens societal divides, and obstructs consensus on critical issues.


Beyond these, biases like attribution error—the tendency to explain others' actions based on character rather than considering external variables—and the Halo effect—where a person's overall impression influences how they feel and think about that person—can strain interactions.


Imagine a situation where someone appears reserved during a discussion. Instead of considering external factors that could trigger this behavior, like an overwhelming day, attributing their behavior solely to personality can damage your relationship due to a simple misjudgment. This illustrates how our minds, while providing empathetic connection, can be a double-edged sword. It can hinder the development of positive relationships.


Therefore, before immersing ourselves in content that fuels cognitive biases, it's essential to reflect on past decisions to identify bias patterns regularly. Consider a time when a relationship became tense after a misunderstanding and reflect on whether attribution errors played a role. Could a different perspective improve the situation?


While reflecting on negative experiences, consciously identify positive elements to balance perception. Before making a decision based on recent events, take a moment to research and consider a broader range of information to avoid being overly influenced.

Remember that it's normal for our brains to operate with cognitive bias, as this is their mechanism of processing information efficiently, especially in situations where time and cognitive resources are limited. Nevertheless, due to its significant influence on our behavior, it's crucial to regularly review our decision-making processes, ensuring we approach choices with a mindful awareness of potential biases.


As individuals evolve, our minds play a crucial role in shaping the cognitive biases that mold our reality. Optimistic biases can indeed be harnessed for positive purposes, as long as we balance them with a realistic understanding to avoid potential pitfalls. In the words of Marcel Proust, “The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes.”



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