Optimism Bias
Faheem Ahamed
Inventing a better everyday. G42 Group CMCO /The Marketing Society Vice Chairman and Board Member (AD) /Executive Producer, Bee:Wild /Nessma-Injazat Board Member /Advisory Board ADGHW/4Humanity
A word of caution as situation everywhere is worsening from the COVID19 pandemic. Many are casually venturing to go out as many of us suffer from a bias which can be termed as ‘Optimism Bias’.
We see people who are fed up off the lockdown and telling themselves that nothing will happen to them. That's mainly because they haven't experienced any tragedy in their own family or circle. This is Optimism Bias at play. Optimism Bias is the belief that each of us is more likely to experience good outcomes and less likely to experience bad outcomes. The key to optimism bias is that we disregard the reality of an overall situation because we think we are excluded from the potential negative effects. Just like every smoker believes that he will not get cancer as it only happens to "others". So, it's just a psychological trap, nothing else.
Remember a quote from Joseph Stalin, “A million deaths is a statistic. But one death is a tragedy.”
It's like if we read the news that 10,000 people died, it doesn't affect us that way, as a single death of someone we know, does. Because when it's a single death, we get to attach the name, story and narrative of that person and feel emotional about it, but a million deaths is indifferent to our psyche. This is another psychological trap.
So, bottom-line is, that no matter how social norms are being relaxed, stay alert, cautious and extra vigilant, as if it's still an EMERGENCY, because it still is! Stay safe and and follow all the precautions without fail.
(Inspired from WhatsApp University of Forwards)
Consultant, Contractor & Convetioneer Building Positive Connections in the Commercial Audio, Video, Lighting & Control Systems Marketplace. Taking you from "oh, sh*t" to "no sweat!" for all things #proAVL.
4 年I'm not sure that this is the case for everyone-- I know some folks are libertarian and simply chafe at government mandated-anything, even if it is for the greater good (and perhaps even because they chafe at the term "for the greater good"). Still others argue that we can't stay at home until summer of 2021 (current best case for a vaccine that has been developed, tested, trialed and deployed in mass numbers), so we might as well get back to work (for those who can), albeit with some changes (masks, distancing, etc.). Some folks -- younger people come to mind -- just think "it won't happen to me." And some people just don't care one way or the other.
Principal at QUAD-E-LIVE CONSULTING with expertise in entertainment production, corporate events, safety supervision.
4 年YES!!!!! Prime example.....the US.....Some states are spiraling out of control.... out of ICU beds AGAIN!!!!
Gamification | Brand Partnerships | Brand Building | Northwestern University - Kellogg School of Management
4 年Optimism Bias has helped many people succeed in life, and at the same time, in this context as you mentioned, is doing greater damage to societies where they don't adhere rules & guidelines thinking of themselves as invincible putting themselves and their loved ones at risk. However from a macro perspective, I suppose Govts are opening up lockdowns in an attempt to achieve a balance between lives and livelihoods. It's a tough call i suppose.
Growth Enabler | Revenue Catalyst | Partner Player | Team Builder
4 年We have to be positive so cautiously to an extend, to NOT be tested positive :)...
Founder CEO & Creative Dir.@LHP Lighthouse Prod. - Founder@Filmsinabox - Multi Disciplined & Mult award winning designer
4 年Couldn't agree more... anyone under the illusion that we are back to normal is taking a very big risk with their own and others lives