Several factors can help explain optimism bias: That we, as individuals, possess more positive traits than the average person.That we exercise some level of control over the world around us, including what will happen to us in the future. There are two key assumptions at the root of optimism bias: In other words, because optimism bias proved beneficial to humans, we are inclined to mispredict the future. Throughout human evolution this characteristic served us well and was passed down from one generation to the next. Optimism bias allows us to try new or difficult things because we feel confident that they will go well. Maintaining a positive outlook gives us courage and motivates us to keep going, despite any adverse situations we face. Studies suggest that it is observed in about 80% of the population (but, notably, not among people with depression). This irrational belief seems to be deeply ingrained in humans. For example, people expect that their careers, marriages, or health will be better than those of others, and that the financial troubles, divorces, or illnesses that happen to other people will not happen to them. Optimism bias causes people to believe that they are less likely to experience negative events than other people. Positive illusions help us maintain self-esteem and avoid discomfort, at least in the short term. It refers to an unrealistically favorable attitude that people have towards themselves and people that are close to them. Optimism bias (or unrealistic optimism) is a type of unconscious cognitive bias. Frequently asked questions about optimism bias.Optimism bias makes you underestimate the risk of riding a bike without a helmet.Īlthough optimism bias can motivate us to overcome obstacles, it can also cause us to ignore potential risks, resulting in poor decision-making. You conclude that you’ll be fine without it. Example: Optimism biasYou’ve just bought a new bike, and the salesperson asks you whether you also want to look for a helmet.īecause you’ve been riding a bike since you were young, you think the chances of getting involved in an accident are really small. Optimism bias causes most people to expect that things will work out well, even if rationality suggests that problems are inevitable in life. Optimism bias is the tendency to overestimate the likelihood of positive events and underestimate the likelihood of negative events. Try for free What Is Optimism Bias? | Definition & Examples Eliminate grammar errors and improve your writing with our free AI-powered grammar checker.
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