False consensus bias is the overestimated assumption that others agree with your beliefs.
Confirmation bias is the intentional seeking of information that supports your beliefs.
I learned about these terms while I was reading Selling The Invisible by Harry Beckwith. The book gives brief interesting insights and examples of how human psychology and behavior influences service marketing.
When I thought about it, I realized that many people have these biases. They are stuck in their own bubbles of false consensus and confirmation biases, an echo chamber of their own thoughts and beliefs. Perhaps they are the way they are because it’s comfortable, easy, or give a sense of gratification.
But it really frustrates me when I learn a new insight or a different point of view and hardly find anyone interested or open minded to discuss these ideas with. For example, when I learn about how a different culture, or say, how a different socio-economic class lives differently and have a different point of view of how they spend their money or spend their time and energy on. Or simply to think outside the box of what we are used to and question if there are better or more efficient ways to do the things we do…
I don’t know if I’m making sense, but I am someone who used to live in a bubble because I never questioned things. Now that I am hungry for knowledge and have developed a curiosity mindset, my worldview on even the smallest things has changed. But it is not only challenging to have this curiosity around people who seem to be on autopilot, but it does get boring as well.
I guess I should keep my curiosity open and perhaps I’ll find like-minded people.
Credit to Selling The Invisible by Harry Beckwith and my awesome dad for lending me this book.