Unconscious Bias
Biases are the brain’s way of dealing with an overload of information. Our brains are designed to categorize and “match” information, to create patterns, and to form conclusions.
When we receive a new piece of information, the brain automatically tries to place it into a category or match it fit with the information that we already have.
Biases are formed from:
When faced with situations or people that appear to fit into our pre-made “mental maps”, we make a number of automatic associations, or assumptions, whether or not they are accurate.
It is possible to “redraw” the mental maps that we have, but it must be done intentionally.
- Personal experiences
- Things other people tell us (especially those we trust)
- Media portrayals
- Educational influences
- Other external influences