OLNEST

Behaviour

Confirmation bias

Seeking and believing information that supports what you already think.

How it works

Once a position is held, contrary evidence gets scrutinised harshly and supporting evidence accepted easily. The portfolio starts editing the research.

The practical defence is to write down in advance what would make you wrong, and to seek out the strongest opposing case rather than the weakest.

Where it misleads people

Social feeds amplify this structurally. Following people who agree with you produces a stream of apparent confirmation that is really an echo of your own view.

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Educational reference only. Nothing here is investment advice or a recommendation to buy or sell anything, and tax treatment depends on your own circumstances and the country you are in.