When we overconfidently think we’re right and can’t seem to accept the fact that we’re not, we’re experiencing confirmation bias. A cognitive bias is a systematic thinking error that occurs in our minds when our brain attempts to simplify information about our surroundings. Processing all the data available to us takes a lot of time and energy, so our brains pick the details that agree with our pre-existing opinions and knowledge. They act as general rules that help us make sense of the world and reach decisions quicker. Follow Bored Panda on Google News! Follow us on Flipboard.com/@boredpanda! Please use high-res photos without watermarks Ooops! Your image is too large, maximum file size is 8 MB.