005Bias
Confirmation Bias
We have a tendency to interpret (or seek out) information that is consistent with our beliefs.
Why it matters
This is a bias that is often unintentional, and leads to poor decision-making.
Often it also means ignoring new information that would contradict those beliefs.
There are 3 main components at play, which affect us all (to some extent):
• A biased search — i.e., only seeking out information that agrees with your existing beliefs. • A biased interpretation — i.e., processing objectively neutral information as backing up your beliefs. • A biased memory — i.e., only remembering information that agrees with your beliefs.
What to inspect
- Check whether the experience reflects this: A biased search — i.e., only seeking out information that agrees with your existing beliefs.
- Check whether the experience reflects this: A biased interpretation — i.e., processing objectively neutral information as backing up your beliefs.
- Check whether the experience reflects this: A biased memory — i.e., only remembering information that agrees with your beliefs.
Common anti-patterns
- Assuming users consciously notice every place where "We have a tendency to interpret (or seek out) information that is consistent with our beliefs" could apply.
- Dense copy and parallel actions that increase mental effort unrelated to the user’s goal.
- Ignoring downstream effects on attention & interest when shipping this pattern.
Critique prompts
- A biased search — i.e., only seeking out information that agrees with your existing beliefs.
- A biased interpretation — i.e., processing objectively neutral information as backing up your beliefs.
- A biased memory — i.e., only remembering information that agrees with your beliefs.
- Where on this screen would "Confirmation Bias" show up as friction or misunderstanding?
- What would a first-time user misunderstand here in under five seconds?