Why Do We Think the Way We Do?

An Introduction to Cognitive Biases

Have you ever made a quick judgment about someone, only to find out later you were completely wrong? Or maybe you’ve bought something on impulse just because it was labeled as a “limited-time offer”? These moments aren’t just random quirks—they are clues to how our minds work. Welcome to the fascinating world of cognitive biases.

What Are Cognitive Biases?

Cognitive biases are systematic patterns of deviation from rationality in judgment and decision-making. In simple terms, they’re the mental shortcuts our brains take when processing information. These shortcuts, known as heuristics, help us make decisions quickly, but they can also lead us astray.

Cognitive biases aren't necessarily flaws; they’re a result of how our brains have evolved to conserve mental energy, process information efficiently, and react fast in uncertain environments. However, in modern life, these same mechanisms can often backfire.

Why Do Biases Exist?

Our ancestors didn’t have time to carefully weigh every decision. When facing a predator or choosing a safe path, speed mattered more than accuracy. Our brains have developed ways to make fast decisions using limited information, often based on patterns, assumptions, or past experiences.

These quick decisions worked well in life-or-death situations, but in today’s complex world—where we deal with stock markets, news headlines, and social relationships—they can cloud our judgment.

Common Types of Cognitive Biases

1. Confirmation Bias

We tend to seek out and believe information that supports our existing views, while ignoring or dismissing evidence that contradicts them. This is why debates on social media rarely change minds.

Example: A person who believes in astrology may only remember the times their horoscope seemed accurate and forget the times it didn’t apply.

2. Anchoring Bias

We rely heavily on the first piece of information we get (the "anchor") when making decisions.

Example: If a jacket was originally ₹5000 but is on sale for ₹3000, you might think it's a great deal—even if ₹3000 is still more than you’d normally spend.

3. Availability Heuristic

We judge the likelihood of events based on how easily examples come to mind.

Example: After watching a plane crash on the news, people might overestimate the danger of flying, even though it’s statistically safer than driving.

4. Dunning-Kruger Effect

People with low ability in a task tend to overestimate their competence, while experts may underestimate their skills. It explains why some people are extremely confident in topics they know very little about.

5. Bandwagon Effect

We tend to do or believe things just because others do.

Example: Investing in a cryptocurrency just because “everyone else is doing it.”

How Cognitive Biases Affect Our Lives

Cognitive biases influence:

• Our decision-making in relationships and careers

• The way we interpret news and media

• How we spend money and manage finances

• Our beliefs, values, and even political views

Understanding them helps us become more mindful, more rational, and better decision-makers.

Can We Overcome Our Biases?

While we can’t completely eliminate biases (they’re hardwired into us), we can learn to recognize and reduce their impact:

• Pause and reflect before making a decision.

• Seek diverse perspectives to challenge your views.

• Use data and logic, not just gut feelings.

• Stay curious and question your assumptions.

The way we think isn't always logical, but it's beautifully complex. By learning about cognitive biases, we not only gain insight into how our minds work but also build the tools to think more clearly, act more wisely, and understand others better.

“The first principle is that you must not fool yourself—and you are the easiest person to fool.” – Richard Feynman.