Section 1.1: The "Us vs. Them" Bias

One prevalent cognitive bias is the "us vs. them" bias, which leads us to view those who are different from us—whether in terms of appearance, culture, or language—as threatening. According to Psychology Today, this bias likely evolved as a survival mechanism among early humans competing for resources.

This bias manifests in various ways, from obvious instances of racial or cultural discrimination to personal relationships. For example, a man blaming women for his dating challenges exemplifies the "us vs. them" mindset. Similarly, groups often simplify complex political affiliations into binary categories, ignoring the nuanced positions that individuals hold.

The world is not simply black and white; it consists of a spectrum of differences and similarities. Recognizing this can help us move away from labeling others and instead foster understanding and connection.

Section 1.2: The "Good vs. Evil" Bias

Transitioning from viewing people in terms of "us and them" to "good and evil" is challenging. Many may perceive the impoverished as virtuous and the wealthy as corrupt, or view "believers" positively while seeing "sinners" negatively. This perspective disregards the complexities of societal issues, where outcomes often arise from systemic flaws rather than the actions of individuals.

In his book, Factfulness, Hans Rosling illustrates how the high cost of basic medications in developing countries stems from pharmaceutical companies focusing on lucrative markets instead of innovating affordable solutions. Recognizing that most people are trying their best to navigate a complicated world can foster collaboration and understanding rather than blame.

The first video, "7 Cognitive Biases (that Manipulate your Thinking)," explores how cognitive biases can distort our perception and decision-making.

Section 1.3: The Anchoring Bias

Anchoring bias occurs when we overly depend on the first piece of information we receive about a subject. This bias can skew our judgment, affecting decisions ranging from negotiations to personal relationships.

For instance, the initial price mentioned during a negotiation can create a reference point that distorts perceived value. This bias can also influence our health and personal interactions.

Combating this bias involves reframing situations based on objective facts rather than relying on initial impressions. When you find yourself making decisions based on recent influences, pause and reassess the situation based on established facts.

Section 2.1: The Urgency Bias

The urgency bias leads people to view decisions as pressing, often resulting in hasty choices. This mindset can lead to poor purchasing decisions, unhealthy lifestyle changes, or ineffective activism.

Recognizing that meaningful change typically requires time and thoughtful consideration can help mitigate this bias. Many organizations exploit this tendency, promoting the idea of limited-time offers or urgent societal issues to provoke immediate action.

When faced with a sense of urgency, take a moment to evaluate the actual consequences of waiting before making a decision.

Section 2.2: The Actor-Observer Bias

The actor-observer bias occurs when individuals attribute their own behaviors to situational factors while attributing others' actions to their character. This can create misjudgments and strain relationships, both personally and professionally.

To counter this bias, it's essential to consider the circumstances influencing others' actions, fostering empathy and understanding rather than judgment.

Section 2.3: The Single Perspective and Choice Supportive Biases

The single perspective bias oversimplifies complex issues by attributing them to a single cause, leading to a lack of understanding. This bias can also lead individuals to believe their choices are superior, even in the face of contrary evidence.

To combat these biases, strive to gather diverse perspectives and remain open to reevaluating your decisions.