Optimism bias is a cognitive bias that leads individuals to believe they are less likely to experience negative events compared to others. This bias is prevalent across various demographics and is seen in behaviors such as assuming a lower risk of victimization or health issues. Factors contributing to this bias include desired outcomes, cognitive mechanisms, self-perception versus observations of others, and overall mood.
A classic example of optimism bias can be seen in smokers who believe they have a lower risk of developing lung cancer compared to other smokers, despite the evidence suggesting otherwise.
To counter optimism bias, individuals can focus on factual information about risks and seek perspectives from a broader group to gain a more realistic view of potential outcomes.