When our thoughts lead us astray
Our brains are amazing, but not flawless. Sometimes we take shortcuts in our thought processes that can lead to mistakes – known as cognitive biases. Antagonistic foreign powers exploit these weaknesses, which can make us susceptible to malign information influence.
It is not only society’s vulnerabilities in the form of systems and structures that can be affected by malign information influence. We humans are also vulnerable as individuals, because our brains have cognitive limitations that make us susceptible to disinformation.
Sometimes we take shortcuts in thought processes that can lead to mistakes. This is known as cognitive bias, and affects how we interpret information, make decisions and view the world around us. A cognitive bias is a systematic thought trap that causes us to unconsciously distort reality. Our brain is programmed to take shortcuts to quickly process information, which often leads us to make assessments that are practical, but not always correct.
Common thought traps
By understanding how we work, we can improve at seeing through disinformation, misleading information and propaganda. Recognising our thought traps is the first step towards avoiding them. How many of these have you noticed yourself?
Confirmation bias
A common cognitive vulnerability is confirmation bias – the tendency to seek information that supports our existing perceptions and ignores or dismisses information that conflicts with them. When we are exposed to disinformation that confirms our own opinions, we are more likely to accept it without hesitation. For example, if we already have negative opinions on a particular topic or group, we may easily fall for disinformation that affirms those opinions, even if it is not correct.
Availability bias
Availability bias is our tendency to overestimate the probability or importance of information that is readily available in our memory. If we often hear about a particular event or phenomenon in the media, we are more likely to think it is more common or relevant than it actually is. This trap also makes us susceptible to disinformation that amplifies these examples, making us believe in false or exaggerated claims.
False consensus
We overestimate how many people share our opinions, values, or behaviours. We believe that our own opinions and habits are more prevalent in society than they actually are.
Blind spot
We find it easier to pick up on other people’s flaws and prejudices, but have difficulty in recognising our own. We often think that we are more objective than others, which can make changing the way we think or act difficult.
Group think
People are social beings and we like to follow the group. If we see that many people believe or are spreading a certain narrative, even if it is false, there will be a greater probability of us accepting it as true ourselves. Social media amplifies this effect by making false claims more visible and popular than they actually are.
The halo effect
“They’re good at chemistry, so they must be good at maths too”. We assign qualities to a person if we know they are good at something else.
The bandwagon effect
People who feel that they are part of a majority are more inclined to voice their opinion. They tag along, simply because being part of a majority gives them a sense of security.
Protect target groups from thought traps
Here are some tips on how to reduce the effects of thought traps.
Critical thinking
Always try to think critically and objectively in the face of new information. Ask questions like: What is the source? Is there anyone contradicting this? What are experts in the field saying?
Pay attention to cognitive distortions
Learn to recognise your own thought sources, such as confirmation bias or availability bias, and make a conscious choice to counter them when making judgements or decisions.
Openness to changing your mind
Be open to changing your mind in the face of new and reliable information. The ability to change perceptions in light of new evidence is an important part of being a critical thinker.
Check the information
Always check the information before sharing it, especially if it comes from questionable sources. Use fact-checking sites and rely on dependable, objective sources to verify information.
Media skills
Educate yourself on how the media works and how disinformation is spread. The more you understand about the media landscape, the better equipped you will be to recognise manipulation and propaganda.
The next step
Prebunking