Biases--your turn!
Behavioral New World
March 1, 2022
Fake and real biases reported by you, the reader
For almost two years now, I have written a monthly missive about behavioral biases and cognitive limitations that interfere with making good decisions. I have discussed the circumstances in which these impediments are likely to be important, and some ways in which to mitigate their impact. (For new subscribers: All of them are available for your reading pleasure.)
Now it is your turn. I would like you to report either a fake bias or a bias that you think is real.
Fake news, why not fake biases? Have fun making something up. Example (possibly lame):
The Aunt Ruth Syrup Effect: Always asking for extra syrup packets at restaurants but never using them. Likely arises from the Scarcity Mentality (see Who Stole My Cheese? for an elementary explanation of the Scarcity Mentality.)[1]
By real I mean: A phenomenon that you have observed but is not yet a recognized bias. (Don’t worry about researching the many biases already documented—this exercise is supposed to be fun.) Example:
The Hippo Effect: Narrowly, not recognizing that a hippo can outrun you (and kill you). More broadly, the underestimation of the dangers of wildlife.
(If you doubt that this phenomenon is real, google “bison attacks”. Yes, hippos can run faster than humans, up to 30 miles per hour. And they can kill you—about 3000 people a year die by hippo.)
I suggest two or three sentences. You may submit your new, as-yet-undiscovered bias to me at jstuarthowe@hushmail.com. Feel free to share this newsletter (there’s a Share bottom at the bottom of the newsletter or you can just forward it). Non-subscribers are welcome to submit, although of course I hope that they become subscribers.
If enough people respond, I’ll curate the submissions and report them in a future newsletter. For that reason, please affirm that you are willing to have your bias reported and whether you wish to have your name associated with it. You may suggest something like, “Martha M.” if you don’t want your full name shown. Also indicate whether your submission is in the “fake” or “real” category (might I not be able to tell?). You may submit more than one.
Note that I have no monetary gain to be had from your contributions—remember, the newsletter is free.
I look forward to hearing from you!
[1] A probably-too-subtle reference to the best-selling book, “Who Moved My Cheese?”