Keywords:: PermanentNote
Reference:: R: Thinking Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman
Why we fall for cognitive biases
Cognitive biases are repeatable and universal mental shortcuts our brain makes. It's a way our bodies increase the efficiency of our actions. Usually, they work well. They help us navigate through life, simplifying, automating, speeding up our actions. We gain more than we lose because we act quickly and accurately thanks to the more primitive parts of our brain (system 1).
link to what are cognitive biases
But, sometimes these shortcuts fail and we make obvious mistakes elaborate
Why does it happen? Largely because our world differs from the times when those cognitive biases were formed. More specifically, it differs in complexity and anxiety levels.
Today our life requires a lot more system 2 thinking. Tasks such as learning for school/university, calculating your taxes, planning your pension, writing an important email to your boss demand slow, deliberate, abstract reasoning.
Link to system 1 vs. system 2
Btw. are white-collar jobs system 2 jobs?
Furthermore, in today's world, our minds get overloaded. We're overloaded with information, we're bombarded with advertisements, we're getting sucked in into social media, we're constantly stressed by the quickness of life, we're tired because we don't sleep enough.
In other words, we have too many choices to make, we receive too much information, we have tones of things to remember, and we're pressured to act quickly.
All these things tax your system 2. It becomes drained and starts losing control. This is when we start making mistakes and slip for cognitive biases.
Link to that it is like a battery.
(shouldn't these be separate notes? Why we fall for cognitive biases and how to avoid them? Probably yes)
Avoid cognitive biases by using system 2?
You need to detach from the automatic mode and activate system 2.
When faced with a complex situation, you need to ask yourself "am I currently using system 2?"
You need to create certain mental triggers that will remind you to use your system 2.
Maybe if/then? Here you could link to making associations.
It's especially crucial in moments of uncertainty, information overload, emotionality, and hurry because they drain our rational brain. This is when we need to step back and ask the question.
It's basically creating an association
Set triggers that will remind you of it
Relevant notes (PN: )/questions (Q:):