How Cognitive Biases Shape Our Choices: The Psychology of Decision-Making
Every day, we make countless decisions, from what to eat to how to spend our time. But are these choices as rational as we think? Cognitive biases—systematic errors in thinking—often influence our decisions in surprising ways. What Are Cognitive Biases? Cognitive biases are mental shortcuts that help us make quick decisions but can lead to errors in judgment. These biases are rooted in our brain’s need to process information efficiently. Common Cognitive Biases 1. Confirmation Bias: Favoring information that confirms our existing beliefs. 2. Anchoring Bias: Relying too heavily on the first piece of information encountered. 3. Availability Heuristic: Overestimating the importance of information that is readily available. How Biases Affect DecisionMaking Personal Life: Biases can lead to poor financial decisions, such as overspending or inadequate saving. Workplace: In business, biases can affect hiring, promotions, and strategic planning. Relationships: Biases can influence how we perceive and interact with