Is Confirmation Bias a conscious or intentional process?

Confirmation bias is not an intentional or conscious process; rather, it operates largely outside our awareness. This cognitive phenomenon occurs when individuals favor information that confirms their pre-existing beliefs or hypotheses while dismissing or undervaluing data that contradicts those beliefs. Because confirmation bias is often subconscious, individuals may not even realize they are engaging in it while processing information.

This unintentional filtering of information can lead to skewed perceptions and maintain existing beliefs without critical analysis. Understanding that confirmation bias works on an automatic level helps in recognizing the importance of actively seeking out and considering diverse viewpoints and evidence that challenges one’s beliefs to develop a more balanced perspective.