Humans often form strong opinions based on their personal experiences or what they observe growing up. Many historical figures, like Aristotle and Nietzsche, held extreme views; views that might shock us today. But why do people form these opinions?
The answer lies in cognitive bias. Cognitive biases are mental shortcuts that help us interpret the world quickly, but they can also distort our thinking.
We naturally analyze our closest experiences and form beliefs based on them. For example:
- A person who witnessed 9/11 firsthand and lost loved ones might believe that all Muslims are terrorists.
- A child growing up in poverty, deeply affected by inflation, may struggle to see politicians neutrally.
- Someone who has failed repeatedly when trying new things might assume they are destined to fail at everything.
These are all examples of cognitive bias. They show how personal experiences influence opinions, often more than facts or logic.
But does holding a biased opinion make someone a bad person? Not necessarily. Having an opinion doesn’t define morality. The problem arises when we share opinions widely without understanding the full picture, because this can influence others unintentionally.
For instance, if someone being a victim of 9/11 spreads the belief that all Muslims are terrorists, and if people in positions of responsibility like judges, lawyers, or even waiters and maintenance workers might unconsciously adopt these biased views. This can harm society over time.
Consider the consequences if influential people adopt and act on biased beliefs:
- A judge might unconsciously favor one side in court.
- A waiter might treat certain customers differently.
- A lawyer might doubt their client’s credibility based on bias rather than facts.
One common type of cognitive bias here is confirmation bias: the tendency to favor information that confirms our existing beliefs, while ignoring evidence to the contrary.
So, what’s the solution? Exposure.
The more we expose ourselves to diverse experiences, ideas, and people, the more we can recognize and correct our biases. Exposure allows us to challenge unintentionally formed beliefs, see the bigger picture and grow as empathetic, fair-minded individuals
Practical ways to broaden your perspective include:
- Reading books from different viewpoints
- Engaging with people from diverse backgrounds
- Experiencing new environments and cultures
- Reflecting on your own thinking patterns
In the end, cognitive biases shape our opinions, but we can continuously unlearn them through exposure and self-awareness. Having opinions is natural, but being open to growth and understanding makes us thoughtful, fair, and empathetic.
