The frequency illusion, also known as the Baader–Meinhof phenomenon, is a cognitive bias where individuals notice something more frequently after they’ve just become aware of it. This phenomenon occurs due to selective attention, where people focus on specific objects or concepts while ignoring distractions, making them believe these instances are occurring more often than before.
For instance, after learning about a specific car model, a person might suddenly notice that same model on the roads everywhere they go, leading them to feel as though its presence has drastically increased.
To overcome frequency illusion, practice mindfulness and consciously seek out contrary examples or information that challenge your focused perception, helping to counteract selective attention.