EOTO #1 - Terms and Concepts

 THEORIES: Confirmation Bias

INTRODUCTION:

In a world of tailored news feeds and dopamine triggers, confirmation bias highlights the reality associated with personalization. Confirmation bias is the act of seeking out, interpreting, or recalling information that coincides with an individual's pre-existing beliefs. 

THREE PRIMARY STEPS: 

The first and arguably most important step is the pursuit. This chase for information coincides with a selective search. As discussed in our course topics, current U.S. news outlets allow for a seamless execution of confirmation bias. With left-wing powerhouses, including CNN, MSNBC, The New York Times, and The Washington Post, and right-wing giants, Fox News, The Washington Examiner, and The Daily Wire, people are aimlessly dragged to opposing extremes. Topics of abortion, religion, poverty, and immigration continue to establish a clear line and differentiation. 

Following the pursuit, interpretation takes over. With the presented material, what will an individual make of its meaning or standpoint? Confirmation bias easily skews the connotation, cherry-picking, and distorting the content to support an individual's thoughts and preconceived notions. This results in a distorted perspective, impacting accuracy and context. 

Lastly, the recollection of knowledge, whether accurate or not, reinforces biased thinking. From creating arguments on religion to criticizing political figures, the associated reasoning is often selective and a product of confirmation bias. Based on one's current knowledge, the recalled information agrees with their initial opinion-based thinking. 

SOCIETAL IMPACT:

Confirmation bias not only affects individual perspectives but continues to infiltrate our society's functions. In particular, social media and targeted news feeds have captured the minds of people across the globe. Posts, comments, pop culture, and political ideology catered to the viewer, inducing engagement and implicit trust. 

Democratic and Republican Parties

With this impact, society must grapple with the inherent risks. The theory results in increased polarization and an avoidance of critical thinking. In a world marked by division, confirmation bias continues to widen the gap, impacting all steps of information processing. An increase in belief-based assurance discourages individuals from challenging these assumptions or conducting further research. A common example is the ongoing battle between U.S. political parties, a bitter conflict between the left and the right. Confirmation bias feeds into the divide, promoting ignorance, prejudice, and stereotypes while diminishing intellectual development. 

FAMILY, FRIENDS, AND GENERATIONAL IMPACT:

 
More prominently, confirmation bias can impact familial relationships, friendships, and the trajectory of an entire generation. In recent generations, human beings were supplied with copious amounts of knowledge and algorithms that curated information on our behalf. The resulting confidence in our viewpoints hinders judgment and allows for a routine response. As a result, individuals may refrain from compromise or the comprehension of contradictory arguments.

From a constructive standpoint, the theory increases individual certainty while harnessing a sense of accuracy in one's belief system. This confidence creates comfort and stability, regulating the human brain. 

CONQUERING CONFIRMATION BIAS:

Ultimately, confirmation bias is a theory that we must recognize and fight against. I encourage you to resist this subconscious tendency by researching an alternative perspective, following facts rather than opinion, and continuing to lead with curiosity. These efforts foster a well-rounded perspective and the development of unbiased opinions.