If you see a red car, what has it got to do with WiFi ?

Well, it's a bit of a stretch to link the two items in the question above, but bear with me !

Our helpdesk team deal with all sorts of client technical issues every day. The initial conversation usually resolves around trying to gather some accurate information around the context of any problems. Context, in addition to content, is king in the world of network troubleshooting.

It's sometimes difficult to get an accurate unbiased answer to our questions as we go through a process of elimination with our clients. One of the main questions that we need an answer to is : How often does the issue happen ?

Luckily we have our fully managed and monitored platform to give us unbiased , accurate data, both current and historical. When added to end users observations it's give us a rich overview of what is actually occurring .

Herein lies an explanation of why that question may be a more difficult question for any of us to give an accurate answer to.

The phenomenon is known as selective attention or frequency illusion, and it's a fascinating aspect of human perception. Let me break it down for you:

1. Selective Attention:

- Our brains are bombarded with an enormous amount of sensory information at any given moment. To cope with this overload, our minds filter out most of the stimuli and focus on what seems relevant or important.

- When you see a red car for the first time, your brain registers it as something noteworthy. It becomes part of your conscious awareness.

- As a result, your brain becomes more attuned to red cars. It's like your brain has set up a mental filter specifically for red cars, making them stand out more than before.

2. Confirmation Bias:

- Once you notice that red car, your brain starts paying attention to similar cues in your environment. You become more sensitive to red colors and subconsciously seek them out.

- When you encounter another red car, your brain reinforces the idea that there are indeed many red cars around. This confirmation bias leads you to notice them more frequently.

- In reality, the number of red cars on the road hasn't changed—it's just your perception that has shifted.

3. Baader-Meinhof Phenomenon:

- The Baader-Meinhof Phenomenon (also called the frequency illusion) occurs when you learn about something new, and suddenly, you start seeing it everywhere.

- It's not that the thing has suddenly become more common; it's just that your awareness has been heightened.

- So, after noticing that initial red car, your brain is primed to recognise red cars more readily, creating the illusion that they're suddenly abundant.

4. Cognitive Bias and Memory:

- Our memory tends to reinforce patterns. Once you've seen a few red cars, your brain stores those instances, making them more accessible.

- The next time you see a red car, your brain retrieves those memories, reinforcing the idea that red cars are common.

- Over time, this cognitive bias strengthens, and you continue to notice red cars more frequently.

In summary, selective attention, confirmation bias, and the Baader-Meinhof Phenomenon combine to create the illusion that you're seeing more red cars. It's a fascinating interplay between perception, memory, and cognitive processes! ????