Sam McRoberts in his article focus on cognitive biases, which are more likely to impact the life of the millennials. According to Sam, cognitive biases are not innately generational, and thus individuals from a given generation have a low probability of experiencing the cognitive biases of another group. Sam notes that cognitive biases are as a result of natural byproducts of how the human brain function and are a counterproductive feature of their thought pattern, which might otherwise be useful (McRoberts). Thus, a generation can be more vulnerable to cognitive biases in some areas of its lives, mainly due to a preexisting condition or generational stereotyping. Sam also notes that there are some cognitive biases, which are especially more dangerous to millennials. Fortunately, when such biases are recognized and understood, it is possible to develop specific measures that can be employed in overcoming them. Some of the biases that the article outline includes:
Confirmation bias: which can result from social media platforms. Social platforms use an algorithm that provides its users with information that matches their preference only and ignore other. Self-serving bias: Sam notes that this is a trap in thinking that makes millennials emphasize information that ascribes success to their ability and attribute failure to factors beyond their control. Survivorship bias: this is a sampling error where people tend to look only at the successful members of a given group and fail to look at those who failed. In his final remarks, Sam notes that there is not a single cognitive bias that is unconquerable by itself (McRoberts). Thus, it is possible to recognize the biases and change one’s thinking to accommodate them. Sam also advise his audience to begin by paying attention to how bias affects one’s life and career decision.
Works Cited
McRoberts, Sam. "Cognitive Biases: A Crash Course for The Millennial Mind". Entrepreneur, 2018, https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/305986. Accessed 7 Oct 2018.
