Psychology
What is Confirmation bias?
Confirmation bias is the tendency to seek, favor, and remember information that supports what we already believe — while ignoring evidence that contradicts it. It quietly skews our judgment and makes it hard to change our minds.
See it, don’t just read it.
Watch a 2-minute lesson with voice + animation that explains confirmation bias.
Key things to understand
- 1We favor information that confirms existing beliefs.
- 2We tend to ignore or dismiss conflicting evidence.
- 3It makes beliefs feel more certain than they should.
- 4It affects everything from news reading to research.
Frequently asked questions
- What is confirmation bias?
- The tendency to notice and believe information that supports your existing views, while ignoring what contradicts them.
- Why is confirmation bias a problem?
- It distorts judgment, reinforces false beliefs, and makes it harder to learn or change your mind.
- How can you reduce confirmation bias?
- Actively seek opposing views, question your assumptions, and look for evidence you might be wrong.