Frequency Illusion

Frequency Illusion, also known as the Baader-Meinhof phenomenon, refers to the phenomena where a newly learned or noticed concept, object, or word starts to appear with surprising frequency in one’s everyday life.

Explanation

The Frequency Illusion occurs as a result of selective attention, wherein the brain focuses its attention on specific information and filters out the rest. When a person encounters something unfamiliar or new, their brain becomes attuned to it, making them more likely to notice it when it reappears in their environment.

Examples

For example, if someone buys a new car and chooses a unique color, they may start seeing that specific color on the road more frequently than before. This is not because the number of cars of that color has increased suddenly, but rather because the person’s brain has started to prioritize and notice that specific color.

Similarly, after learning a new word, individuals may suddenly come across that word in books, articles, or even conversations more often than before. This juxtaposition can create the illusion that the word has become more commonplace when, in reality, it is just their increased awareness and attention towards it.

Causes

The Frequency Illusion is influenced by psychological factors such as confirmation bias and cognitive dissonance, where individuals are more likely to seek out and remember information that confirms their existing beliefs or desires. This bias further contributes to perceiving the newfound concept or object as being significantly more prevalent than it actually is.

Conclusion

The Frequency Illusion is a cognitive phenomenon characterized by the recurring appearance of a recently learned or noticed concept, object, or word. It stems from the brain’s selective attention, causing individuals to notice and perceive the newfound occurrence as being more prevalent than it actually is. Understanding this phenomenon can help individuals recognize the biases in their perception and become more aware of the complexities of human cognition.