The (very) quick judgments our brain makes

The issue of cognitive biases is increasingly present in discourse in psychology. Specialists in human thought have recognized that we operate according to two modes of thinking: one slow and somewhat analytical, and one fast called “inferential.” These quick ideas were very effective in allowing humans to survive. When real risks arise, it is best to think and react quickly.

However, we are rarely in such contexts. We generally feel more comfortable in our daily lives. However, our brain still has vivid analyses, which are often wrong. One of the most common mistakes is illusory correlation: it connects one fact to another and creates a causal relationship when it requires more studies and observations before concluding anything. The athlete will have the impression that because he wore a bracelet his grandmother gave him and won, that this item led to his success. This will push him to even lower results if he does not get them, which is a self-fulfilling prophecy in short.

We also have an illusory superiority bias. We all generally believe that we are smarter than average. Which doesn't make sense mathematically because it would be too high. This thought helps us not to feel inferior and depressed but it becomes problematic when it makes us stress all kinds of things related to health, social, historical, etc.

Duration: 15 minutes11