May 2024

We’ve all been there: standing at a crossroads, faced with a decision that could alter the course of our lives. Should I take that new job, even if it means leaving my comfortable routine? Should I finally tell that person how I feel, even if it risks rejection? These moments of uncertainty can be paralyzing, […]

Have you ever walked into a crowded room and instantly spotted your best friend, even from across the way? Or perhaps you’ve been so engrossed in a captivating book that you failed to notice someone calling your name? These scenarios highlight a fundamental aspect of our cognitive machinery: attention bias. Simply put, attention bias refers

Have you ever scrolled through social media and felt a pang of envy at someone else’s seemingly perfect life? Or maybe you downplay your achievements after hearing about a colleague’s promotion? If so, you’ve experienced social comparison bias, a powerful force that shapes our self-worth and happiness. What is Social Comparison Bias? Social comparison bias

Have you ever found yourself instinctively defending a social or political system, even if it has flaws? Or perhaps downplaying the negative aspects of your workplace hierarchy? This tendency to justify the existing order, even when it’s imperfect, is a well-documented phenomenon in social psychology called system justification bias. What is System Justification Bias? System

Have you ever clutched a lottery ticket, heart pounding as the winning numbers are drawn, convinced your unwavering belief would influence the outcome? Or perhaps you meticulously planned your day, only to be thrown into disarray by unexpected events. These are just a few examples of the illusion of control, a fascinating cognitive bias where

Have you ever blurted something out and immediately regretted it? Or maybe you find yourself constantly criticizing others for things you struggle with yourself? These are just a few examples of how our unconscious mind can influence our thoughts and behaviors. Sigmund Freud, the father of psychoanalysis, proposed the concept of defense mechanisms – unconscious

We all experience emotions – the exhilarating highs of joy and the crushing lows of despair. They color our world, add depth to our experiences, and are an integral part of what makes us human. But what happens when our feelings start dictating our reality? This, my friends, is the treacherous terrain of emotional reasoning.

Have you ever sworn you aced that childhood spelling test, only to find a glaring “C” scrawled on the report card unearthed from the attic? Or perhaps you vividly recall a close call while driving, only to have your passenger offer a starkly contrasting account? These situations highlight the fascinating phenomenon of memory bias, where

In today’s interconnected world, it’s nearly impossible to go a day without encountering someone else’s success or lifestyle on social media. This constant exposure can often lead to an insidious mental trap known as social comparison bias. This phenomenon, while common, can have detrimental effects on one’s self-esteem, motivation, and overall mental health. In this

Introduction to Clustering Illusion The human brain is a remarkable machine, designed to identify patterns and make sense of the world around us. This ability has enabled us to survive and thrive by recognizing danger, finding food, and forming social bonds. However, this strength can sometimes lead us astray. One common cognitive bias that exemplifies