Biases are Universal: Exploring the Social Benefits and Implications of Our Human Cognitive Bias

A recent study published in Scientific Reports suggests that the biases we possess as humans are not unique to our species, and may even offer social benefits when aligned with the majority. One such bias identified in the study is the visual field bias, where individuals are faster and more accurate in recognizing identities and emotions on one side of their visual field compared to the other. This bias is believed to develop early in childhood.

Research on animals has shown that biases are common and beneficial, freeing up brain resources to make them more efficient at survival tasks. The study found that the presence of a bias, rather than the direction (left or right), is what matters for performance. However, the question remains as to why many people have a right-hand bias for motor tasks and a left visual field bias for face processing.

While some individuals may have a standard bias for motor tasks and face processing, those with a reversed bias were more likely to experience social difficulties and be diagnosed with conditions like autism or ADHD. The study doesn’t establish a causal relationship between the reversed bias and these conditions, but it does open the door for further research to investigate bias profiles as potential early markers for autism and ADHD.

The study also gives insight into how biases can impact cognitive and social abilities in humans, shedding light on their importance in our everyday interactions. By understanding these biases, we can potentially improve our communication skills and build stronger relationships with others. Overall, this research highlights the need for further investigation into how biases shape our behavior and influence our interactions with others.