Your Own Personal Algorithm

By now we all know that social media uses an algorithm that is designed to keep showing us the things that align with our pre-existing mindsets.

Would it surprise you to know, that we do the same things to ourselves?

It's called confirmation bias.

According to dictionary.com, confirmation bias is "the tendency to process and analyze information in such a way that it supports one’s preexisting ideas and convictions."

Some instances of this are very apparent when you look at peoples’ allegiances to politicians, institutions, and even sports teams.

Other instances of confirmation bias are a bit sneakier, especially when it comes to our beliefs about ourselves.

If we think we are superior, we will keep finding information that reinforces our superiority.

Unfortunately, the majority of people in the Western world grow up with self-limiting beliefs. We see ourselves through a lens of negativity and "not enough-ness."

There are many reasons for this. One of them being the importance placed on consumerism to keep our economy alive.

The simple truth being, people who are pleased with themselves and their lives don't need to consume as much.

We grow up believing we are not attractive enough, likable enough, or smart enough, and that everyone believes this about us.

We find proof of it over and over again, despite evidence to the contrary.

Confirmation bias is related to, although different than, the "negativity bias."

It seems the negativity bias is s subset of our confirmation bias.

Wikipedia explains negativity bias as when "things of a more negative nature (e.g. unpleasant thoughts, emotions, or social interactions; harmful/traumatic events) have a greater effect on one's psychological state and processes than neutral or positive things".

It's the reason why we may hear 5 compliments and 1 insult, yet the insult is the only one that impacts us.

We are always unconsciously scanning our environment for data, to know if we are safe. Our subconscious would rather err on the side of caution. Time and time again ego will find information to act as conformation for our self-limiting beliefs.

This may all seem doom and gloom (if that is your bias!) However, there is good news!

Once we become aware of something, we can start taking steps to change it.

Being mindful of our beliefs, tendencies auto-pilot assumptions and reactions, can start us on a path to changing our personal narratives and algorithms.