“How to identify and deal with bias in personal thinking” is an important topic when we want to understand our own way of thinking. Let’s learn how to identify and deal with bias in personal thinking through this article.
I. Concept of prejudice
Prejudice is a subjective, pre-existing way of thinking, opinion, or belief – usually negative – towards a person or group of people based on lifestyle, occupation, political views, skin color, ethnicity, nationality, religion, gender, etc.
Prejudices are often shaped in us over time, from our own experiences, from propaganda, from previous generations, and from the environment.
II. How to recognize bias in personal thinking
1. Recognize subjectivity in thinking
When a person’s thinking relies too much on his or her own perspective and is not open to other opinions, it can be a sign of subjectivity and prejudice. Not accepting differences and always sticking to one’s own perspective can lead to the formation of prejudice.
2. Persistence in old views
When a person’s mind is not open to new information and is not willing to change its views despite new evidence and arguments, it is also a sign of bias. Not updating knowledge and sticking to old views can increase subjectivity and bias in personal thinking.
3. Monotonous and inflexible thinking
When an individual’s thinking is inflexible, unwilling to change their views despite new evidence, and often imposes their views on others, it is also a sign of bias. Monolithic and inflexible thinking can lead to judging others based on their own views and forming prejudices.
III. The impact of prejudice in individual thinking
1. Influence decisions and actions
Biases can influence people’s decisions and actions. When people are negatively biased, they are more likely to make unfair decisions and act unkindly toward those they are biased against. This can have serious consequences, causing harm to others and hindering the integration and development of society as a whole.
2. Create division and conflict
Prejudice can also create division and conflict within a community. When people insist on their own views without being open to listening and understanding others, society becomes more diverse and tense. This can lead to cultural, social and economic loss.
3. Limits personal and social development
When individuals are limited by personal biases, personal and social growth is threatened. Failure to be open to accepting differences and learning from others will cause individuals to limit themselves to a narrower perspective, thereby hindering the learning and progress of society.
These are the negative effects of bias in individual thinking, and they can have serious consequences if not recognized and actively dealt with.
IV. How to deal with bias in personal thinking
1. Look at the strengths of others
When you encounter others, try to focus on their strengths rather than their weaknesses or shortcomings. Everyone has good qualities, and recognizing and respecting these positive traits will help you overcome negative biases.
2. Look at things from the other person’s perspective
Instead of judging others based on your own standards, try to understand their views and perspectives. This helps us understand others better and reduces unnecessary biases.
3. Connect with people who are different from you
Interacting and connecting with people from different perspectives, cultures, and lifestyles will help us broaden our thinking and overcome biases. At the same time, it will help us learn and understand more about the diversity of the world.
These ways of dealing with bias in our personal thinking not only help us become more flexible in our perspectives, but also create opportunities to learn and grow from differences.
Learning how to identify biases in our own thinking helps us to openly reflect and change our perspectives, build a flexible mindset, and accurately reflect on the world around us.
