You know the story, two people see the exact same fact (definition: something that actually exists; reality) yet walk away with two completely stories (definition: a narrative about the fact) of what happened. Why does this happen? Because we often overlook a critical aspect of our cognitive make-up: the inherent biases that shape our perceptions and judgments. These biases, coupled with our brain's need to create meaning, can significantly cloud our judgment and affects us all, regardless of our intelligence or experience.
The human brain is naturally inclined to create narratives in order to understand the world around us. Yet, these narratives can also introduce subjectivity. Instead of perceiving facts as isolated data points, our minds may integrate them into a narrative that corresponds with our existing beliefs and personal experiences. While this cognitive process is effective, it can result in significantly varied interpretations of identical information.
Consider the scenario where someone watches a single news channel. This person receives a steady stream of information filtered through a specific editorial lens, which shapes their understanding of current events. Over time, their worldview becomes aligned with the narratives and biases of that particular channel. Another person, watching a different channel, may develop an entirely different perspective based on the same underlying events. Both individuals are consuming content, yet their interpretations diverge because of the different stories they are told.
Recognizing that we all have biases is the first step toward mitigating their impact. One of the most effective ways we can do this, is to be open to seeking diverse viewpoints that are actively sought out. By challenging our narratives and engaging in open, honest dialogue, we can uncover blind spots and make more informed decisions.
We must be aware of the cognitive shortcuts our brains take. Confirmation bias, for instance, leads us to favor information that confirms our preexisting beliefs while discounting evidence that contradicts them. This can create silos where we seek to have our views consistently reinforced, hindering our ability to see the bigger picture.
Now you may say to yourself, I do seek out other perspectives, what else can I do? It can be very simple. Add these questions to your toolkit:
What assumptions am I making, and are they justified?
How would someone with a different perspective view this situation?
What information am I missing or ignoring?
Am I being influenced by emotions or personal experiences?
How might this situation look in a different cultural or social context?
What past experiences might be influencing my perception of this issue?
Am I dismissing certain information because it challenges my beliefs?
You can also invite a trusted family member or friend, and encourage them to question your conclusions and provide different perspectives. This is not about fostering doubt but about embracing a more nuanced understanding of complex issues.
Understanding how strong our biases can be and the stories we construct is a critical and necessary life skill. We may think we see and understand the whole fact/story, but until we become more curious and are open enough to seek to understand what we may not know, only then can we begin to paint a more accurate picture of the world around us.
And one final thought I'd like to share. If your not familiar with the book "Crucial Conversations" or "Crucial Accountability", I encourage you to look into a concept called "The Path to Action." Ever wonder why when we disagree with something or someone doesn't meet our expectations we can show up at our worst? It's because when we See or Hear information, we Tell Ourselves a (often-times ugly) Story. That story then causes a Feeling and that Feeling drives how we Act.
How about we flip the narrative, and instead of acting (or speaking, typing, posting or texting) negatively, we ask ourselves: "Why would a reasonable, rational, and decent person do that?" Then engage in a healthy conversation to understand the full story.
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