Doctor Approved

Doctor Approved

Share this post

Doctor Approved
Doctor Approved
You're Right! (And Other Lies We Tell Ourselves): Unmasking Confirmation Bias

You're Right! (And Other Lies We Tell Ourselves): Unmasking Confirmation Bias

Our Built-In Echo Chambers and How to Break Free

Ben Caplan, MD's avatar
Ben Caplan, MD
Mar 11, 2025
∙ Paid
17

Share this post

Doctor Approved
Doctor Approved
You're Right! (And Other Lies We Tell Ourselves): Unmasking Confirmation Bias
1
Share

Let’s face it—we’re the VIPs of our own life story, sitting in the front row for every plot twist. Most of us don’t long for uncertainty, either; our ultimate goal is confidence, not insecurity—we want to feel even more assured of our ‘royal’ opinions. Every opinion, every decision, every favorite podcast or channel confirms our impeccable taste and unerring judgment. And yet, lurking behind our internal round of applause is a sneaky little saboteur, quietly whispering sweet nothings into our ears. Its name? Confirmation bias.

At its core, confirmation bias is the human tendency to favor information that confirms what we already believe while quietly ignoring anything that challenges our cozy worldview. Think of it as your brain’s built-in “yes-man,” tirelessly reinforcing your choices and opinions—even when those choices might be a little (or a lot) misguided.

Confirmation Bias in Research and Everyday Life

Now, confirmation bias doesn't just haunt dusty old scientific journals—although…

Keep reading with a 7-day free trial

Subscribe to Doctor Approved to keep reading this post and get 7 days of free access to the full post archives.

Already a paid subscriber? Sign in
© 2025 Ben Caplan, MD
Publisher Privacy ∙ Publisher Terms
Substack
Privacy ∙ Terms ∙ Collection notice
Start writingGet the app
Substack is the home for great culture

Share