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We all like to believe that we are logical and rational creatures. However, in reality, humans are subject to preconceived judgments that unconsciously influence our decisions.

When we overconfidently think we’re right and can’t seem to accept the fact that we’re not, we’re experiencing confirmation bias.

As trusted online mental health resource Verywell Mind explained, “Confirmation bias is a type of cognitive bias that favors information that confirms your previously existing beliefs or biases.”

A cognitive bias is a systematic thinking error that occurs in our minds when our brain attempts to simplify information about our surroundings. Processing all the data available to us takes a lot of time and energy, so our brains pick the details that agree with our pre-existing opinions and knowledge. They act as general rules that help us make sense of the world and reach decisions quicker.

Let’s have a look at an example that illustrates confirmation bias better. Imagine that you believe that Kamala Harris is a better choice for US president than Donald Trump. Chances are that you will seek information that showcases the candidate you support in a positive light while dismissing any facts that might have a negative effect on their image. 

Once you're confronted with new information about Harris that confirms what you already believe, you’ll be more likely to accept it as true, overlook any flaws in it, incorporate it into your belief system, and remember it later to support your opinion during a discussion. On the other hand, if the new facts contradict your view of the candidate, you’ll be more likely to get defensive about it, criticise it and forget it later on.

Due to our tendency to dismiss data that isn’t compatible with our belief system, it can impair our logic and decisions and lead to poor choices. For instance, if we’re convinced that a certain investment is beneficial for us, we might ignore the red flags saying it’s not. Or if we are set on getting a job at a particular company, we may dismiss the signs showing it's a toxic work environment.

There’s no way to eliminate confirmation bias, as it happens due to the natural way our brains work. On a positive note, it can make us feel confident in our beliefs and preserve or build our self-esteem. This also helps us stay certain and secure in our environment.

Even though this way of thinking can’t be entirely removed, we can take steps to avoid it. First, it’s important to accept that we have biases that impact our decisions. It’s in our nature to use mental shortcuts that allow us to make judgments more efficiently, but it also means that we tend to disregard facts that contradict our views.

Then, when looking for information, thoroughly consider all the evidence available rather than just seeing data that confirms your opinion. Use credible sources and read them entirely before drawing any conclusions. Pointing out biases in others (respectfully, of course!) can additionally help an individual think more critically.

"Even if we can't change others' biases, remember they may be at play when we find ourselves in a disagreement with someone who seems very entrenched in their own viewpoint," licensed psychologist David Susman, PhD, explains. "Rather than confronting them directly about how inaccurate or irrational we think they are, it's often more productive to present facts and information in a nondirective way and ask them to consider an alternative point of view or some point of compromise."