Bias

Our brains are naturally hardwired to take shortcuts. This is alright; it allows us to make decisions when we lack information or have low mental energy. Despite common belief, bias is not a result of our brains being stupid or lazy. Quite the opposite! Our brains have evolved to become incredibly efficient, saving time and energy so we can act quickly, even if this means our decisions are not always perfectly rational.

Sometimes, we all make poor judgements. When was the last time you regretted a decision because you acted impulsively or overlooked certain information? Knowingly or unknowingly, we occasionally behave in ways that defy logic or reason, and this is thanks to the brain’s tendency to optimize how we process information. Cognitive shortcuts allow our brains to make sense of the world quickly and efficiently. By sticking to patterns—both learned and innate—our brains can cut corners when processing new information. However, the tradeoff is that this can result in biased thinking and decision-making.

Bias can take many forms. You might be most familiar with bias in the context of prejudice or discrimination against certain groups of people based on race, gender, or socioeconomic status. However, you can also be biased toward a certain idea or option. For example, confirmation bias can cause us to favor information that fits with our existing beliefs. This mental shortcut can lead you to overlook information that contradicts your preconceptions, like ignoring scientific research that disproves a health remedy you believe in.

While certain cognitive biases can help us make decisions more efficiently, it often hurts our ability to make decisions that are fair, rational, and favorable—for ourselves and everyone around us. The important thing to remember here is that humans will always hold bias. Since we can’t really change how our brains work, learning to recognize bias in its various forms can help us become more aware of it and take steps to reduce negative consequences.