Frequency Illusion [Post 20]

Frequency Illusion, also known as the Baader-Meinhof phenomenon, refers to the false impression that something occurs more often than it actually does.1 I have recently experienced this phenomenon while contemplating trading my truck for a car. Specifically, as I actively search for Honda Accords, I now notice Hondas everywhere I go.

This frequency phenomenon becomes even more pronounced in the digital age, as our online searches get amplified through ad campaigns, further reinforcing the illusion.

Frequency bias can be particularly detrimental when it affects our purchasing decisions. Trendy products, marketed as necessities, often fade quickly. “Get-rich-quick” proposals flood our screens, creating FOMO (fear of missing out), which can result in financially detrimental decisions. Pyramid schemes disguised as something more glamorous, short-lived cryptocurrencies, and improbable gambling winners create rare success stories that can overshadow the negative experiences of the majority.

Before making any purchase, investment, or decision, it is crucial to take a step back and consider whether our genuine interest lies in the product or if the frequency illusion has simply convinced us otherwise. By doing so, we can avoid making choices solely based on the frequency of appearance and instead make more informed decisions.

Image. https://sketchplanations.com/the-frequency-illusion

1. Nikolopoulou, K. (2022, December 8). The Baader–Meinhof Phenomenon Explained. Scribbr.

https://www.scribbr.com/research-bias/baader-meinhof-phenomenon/