Errors in Social Perception

Summary

This book contains these two topics:

- The False Consensus Effect: The roots of the False Consensus Effect trace back to psychological and social mechanisms. From a psychological standpoint, it arises from our natural tendency to see ourselves as typical and representative of a larger group. We are more likely to surround ourselves with like-minded individuals, reinforcing our views and making them appear more widely held. This is further exacerbated by our desire for validation and the comfort that comes from seeing our beliefs reflected in others. As a result, we are inclined to believe that our preferences or values are the norm, even when they may be quite particular to our own experiences.

- The In-Group Bias: At its core, in-group bias serves a functional purpose in social behavior. Evolutionarily, humans have relied on social groups for survival, and belonging to a cohesive group provided benefits such as shared resources, protection, and mutual support. However, as societies evolved and became more complex, these group dynamics also gave rise to preferential treatment of those within the same group. This is not limited to obvious groups like tribes or clans but can extend to any group with which an individual identifies. Whether through shared beliefs, common goals, or even simple social interactions, in-group bias manifests in everyday life, influencing decisions, relationships, and behaviors.