How do these events seem to you;
1) Bumping into an old friend that you haven’t seen in years in the ice cream parlor thrice in a row? Is it true what they say about the universe conspiring in our favor – who knew you’d run into each other here?”
And 2) Winning a holiday trip package twice? Fate must have had a hand in this.
Learn about the cognitive bias of Coincidence and how to guard yourself against it in this fascinating article.
Understanding the Coincidence
“Coincidence” is a cognitive bias that arises when the mind draws connections between unrelated events or observations. Spotting patterns where there are none, jumping to conclusions, and dismissing other possibilities.
Have you ever noticed something happening a few times and thought it was a sign? Like, if a black cat crosses your path, you get hiccups or sneeze during a serious discussion, or a crow sits on top of your house? These coincidences can feel significant, even if they’re just random occurrences.
The problem is that relying on coincidences can lead us astray. When we stop questioning our environment and believe everything is interconnected, Then we can turn superstitious and ignore logical facts about the world. It’s important to separate real connections from mere coincidences.
We can improve our thinking abilities by acknowledging the existence of coincidences and their potential impacts.
By understanding that a connection between two events may be purely coincidental, we can adopt a more critical approach to our ideas, broadening our perspectives and avoiding unnecessary assumptions. This can help us avoid faulty reasoning and develop smarter ways of thinking.
The Exploited and The Exploiters
Victims of “Coincidence” cognitive bias typically find patterns in randomness. This can lead them to make incorrect assumptions and overlook important facts, leaving them vulnerable to faulty reasoning.
Those who take advantage of this bias often use it to manipulate and control others. Politicians, marketers, and anyone with an agenda can leverage the power of coincidence to create false connections and frame situations in a certain way. They use this form of mental gymnastics to influence public opinion and sway decisions in their favor without having any real merit behind their argument.
Day-To-Day Coincidence
- You decide to call a friend you haven’t spoken to in years, and as soon as you pick up the phone, and they either text or call you simultaneously.
- You’re thinking of a particular song that you haven’t heard in a long time, and then you hear it playing on the radio or a streaming service. This is a coincidence because you were just thinking about the song, and then it happened to come on shortly after.
- A family planning dinner plans on ordering Chinese food only to find out their favorite Chinese restaurant is closed – leaving them to believe this was all part of some cosmic plan.
- You are thinking about a particular topic or concept and then notice it being discussed in various places around you, such as in a conversation with a friend, on social media, or in a news article.
Recognizing When You’re Slipping Into The Affect Coincidence
To identify if you are falling into the trap of “Coincidence” in cognitive biases, it is important to take the time to evaluate the situation and consider all of the facts critically.
Ask yourself questions such as: Is this coincidence likely or plausible? Does this align with my values and long-term goals? Do I have enough information to make an informed decision? Find yourself relying too heavily on coincidences to justify decisions. It might be helpful to consult a trusted colleague or professional for advice.
Overcoming The Coincidence
Analyze the situation before making any decisions
Before you make a choice, take the time to assess all possible outcomes and decide if it is worth taking a risk.
Envision success
Visualizing your desired outcome can motivate you to make smart choices and stay focused on achieving success.
Create an action plan
Once you have identified what needs to be done, create a step-by-step roadmap for reaching your goals.
Take advantage of resources
Utilize key resources such as mentors and other experts to gain helpful advice and direction on successful strategies for reaching your goals.
Set achievable short-term goals
Break up long-term goals into smaller, more attainable, and less daunting chunks.
Be aware of cognitive traps
Many cognitive biases can influence our decision-making process. Be mindful of these pitfalls before acting impulsively or relying on luck alone.
Create multiple opportunities
Don’t put all your eggs in one basket – create multiple avenues to pursue success instead by diversifying your efforts and investments in different areas for greater chances at achieving success overall.
Final Thoughts
It’s essential to distinguish between causality and coincidence. Just because two events happen together doesn’t mean one caused the other. Just because two events happen together doesn’t mean one caused the other.
What are the odds of running into an old friend three times at the same ice cream parlor? It may feel like fate, but it’s more likely just a delicious coincidence. Sharing a love for ice cream and picking the same spot makes it more likely to cross paths. So don’t read too much into it – it’s just a happy accident!
And winning a vacation twice? Don’t start hunting for lucky charms just yet. Winning is all about playing the odds; the more entries you have, the higher the chances. So let’s call it what it is – a lucky coincidence that struck twice.
It’s important to remember that coincidences are just that – coincidences. While they may seem significant or meaningful, they are not necessarily proof of a greater plan or destiny. So next time you experience a coincidence, take a moment to appreciate it, for it is a random occurrence that adds a bit of excitement to life.
Finally
Coincidence is the assumption that a series of coincidences must have some deeper meaning or hidden cause. It’s important to recognize how our cognitive biases can impact our everyday lives, and if you want to learn more about this topic, sign up for our newsletter to receive regular updates.
Reference
The above article is based on the book Thinking Clearly; this article is here to help us learn and understand how our minds can be tricked by something called cognitive biases.
Similar post: Feature-Positive Effect