"It's not going to happen to me!"
Have you ever said that? Have you ever felt that you were untouchable and that "bad" things will only happen to other people? "I'm the exception," you think. Well think again.
This type of thinking is called Optimism Bias and it is very common. In essence, we are under the impression that bad things are less likely to happen to us and instead happen to other people. We may even have a little voice inside our heads saying, "Yeah, that's a risk for them, but I'll be fine." Maybe not.
Optimism Bias is a pretty normal part of how our brain works. On the one hand, it keeps us feeling optimistic and positive, but on the other hand, it can lead us to underestimate serious risks.
You might be wondering, why are we prone to this bias? There are several reasons. For starters, we humans tend to focus on what we want to happen, rather than on the things we don't. In addition, we often think we have more control over situations than we actually do. And often, we just lack all the information to make a realistic assessment of the actual risks.
So next time you're going to do something that might be a bit risky, think twice. Don't assume, I'm the exception; it won't happen to me, because it absolutely might.
Slipstream
I didn't know it was called Optimism Bias, but I'm pretty sure all of us are aware of it especially when we're young. Taking risks is an everyday occurrence with teens. As we age, we become more aware, caution our kids, and become a little more conservative with our own actions. Even so, it's wise for everyone to think twice and make the smart choice. Thanks for the lesson 😃
Evangel
I've heard countless people say that—especially when they don't want to give up a risky habit.
Well Street
The human psyche is mighty complex. Early humans were hyper-aware of potential threats like predators in order to survive. This instinct remains today, sometimes interpreting threats where none exist, and fixating on perceived negatives.
Yet, on the flip side, lies Optimism Bias, where questionable decisions and risky behaviors reign.
Thank you for this lesson and confirming that I didn't pay enough attention in psychology class.
Evangel
I think privileged grownups today are overly optimistic and tend to minimize risks since things have gone pretty well for them. Also this makes them a lot more lenient today as parents. They don't stress as much over the decisions kids make and the dangers they face. The prevailing view is to let kids make their own mistakes and not hover over them and stifle their growth. Unfortunately, they may not be aware that kids brains aren't fully developed until they reach their twenties, potentially making them less capable of avoiding troubles.
On Nextdoor, people often complain about the rude and risky things kids do in the neighborhood which put others in danger. They post the kids' pictures, too. Then their parents see the post and realize it's their kid, and instead of apologizing for any trouble their kids have caused, they insult the neighbor for not letting them be kids.
Sanatana
Very true! I know a mother with a baby who often says, "He'll learn." But some of the possible lessons I've observed could have really negative consequences. As for me, I tend to err on the side of caution. Always have. I guess I can visualize negative things happening and it stops me.
Evangel
I think that's wise. Who needs a broken leg, a finger cut off, or worse!
Wilsons Grave
Everything you say is true. It amounts to being a ding-dong.