The Familiarity Fallacy: Why We Make Assumptions Based on What We Know
Have you ever found yourself making assumptions about someone or something based on what you already know? It’s a common human tendency to rely on past experiences and knowledge to navigate new situations. However, this reliance can lead to what experts call the “familiarity fallacy”, where we assume familiarity means understanding, leading to incorrect assumptions and mistakes.
What is the Familiarity Fallacy?
Familiarity fallacy is a cognitive bias where people make assumptions based on pre-existing knowledge without considering alternate perspectives or new information. In simpler terms, it means that we rely on what we already know instead of analyzing new information and ignoring other possibilities. This fallacy is often seen in situations such as meeting new people, trying new foods, or even making new purchases.
Why do People Tend to Fall for this Fallacy?
People tend to fall for the familiarity fallacy due to several factors such as cognitive easiness, accessibility, and bias. When we encounter new information, our brains automatically sort it into different categories based on past experience. Our intuition then tells us to rely on what we already know, which is easier than analyzing new information. This makes it difficult for us to consider alternate possibilities.
How to Avoid the Familiarity Fallacy?
The best way to avoid the familiarity fallacy is to be aware of our biases and to analyze new information with an open and curious mind. It’s essential to approach every situation with an objective perspective by gathering as much information as possible and considering alternate viewpoints. It’s also helpful to consult with experts, gather diverse opinions, and challenge your assumptions.
Real-Life Examples of the Familiarity Fallacy
One example of the familiarity fallacy in action is within the realm of politics. People tend to support politicians or policies that align with their pre-existing beliefs, even when presented with new information that contradicts their opinion. Diverse and polarizing responses to the COVID-19 pandemic also showcase this fallacy. People relied on past experiences with similar diseases, leading to divided opinions on how to manage the pandemic.
Conclusion
In conclusion, familiarity is not synonymous with understanding. It’s crucial to challenge our assumptions and biases to approach new situations with an open and curious mind while trying to avoid the familiarity fallacy. The more we analyze and learn, the better we can navigate new and unfamiliar situations while keeping our minds open to alternative possibilities and viewpoints.
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