Paradigms can be thought of as mental programs that largely dictate our habitual behaviour, as most of our actions are driven by habits. Our brains constantly seek validation for our beliefs, a phenomenon known as confirmation bias. For instance, if you believe "nothing ever goes my way," your brain will highlight everything that confirms that belief. On the other hand, if you tell yourself, "I know things can get better," your brain will begin to find evidence to support this idea. Your mind is simply performing its function by actively searching for proof to reinforce the reality you've constructed in your thoughts. Therefore, I think it's crucial to remember that you have the power to influence the world around you through your mindset.
No one likes us
Where do your beliefs and opinions come from?
People need to process information quickly to protect themselves from harm. Most people believe that their opinions are based on years of experience and objective analysis of the information they have available. Everyone thinks they are rational, logical, and impartial. We are susceptible to confirmation bias as many factors of which people are unaware can influence our information processing. Humans are better able to rationally process information, giving equal weight to multiple viewpoints, if they are emotionally distant from the issue. Another reason people show confirmation bias is to protect their self-esteem.
Here are some examples of confirmation bias:
· Not seeking out objective facts
· Interpreting information to support your existing belief
· Only remembering details that uphold your belief
· Ignoring information that challenges your belief
Humans are bombarded with information in the social world and cannot possibly take the time to carefully process each piece of information to form an unbiased conclusion. I think that human decision making and information processing is often biased because people want to feel that they are intelligent. When informationarrives that suggests one holds an inaccurate belief or made a poor decision this may make one feel he’s lacking intelligence, therefore, we tend to listen only to the information that confirms our preconceptions.
Goodbye 2020
“There were many dark moments when my faith in humanity was sorely tested, but I would not and could not give myself up to despair. - Nelson Mandela”