Action bias is the psychological phenomenon where people prefer to take action rather than remain inactive, even when there is no indication that taking action would lead to a better outcome. This bias often stems from an automatic, impulsive response rather than rational decision-making. It is thought to have evolved as an adaptive survival mechanism, leading individuals to favor visible actions that appear beneficial.
For instance, politicians often exhibit action bias by making statements and proposals regarding climate change that sound impactful but lack real substance, making it seem like they are addressing the issue while actually taking little action.
To overcome action bias, individuals can take a moment to assess whether action is genuinely necessary or beneficial, and consider the potential risks and benefits of inaction before making a decision.