Cognitive bias in contemporary times highlights a pressing challenge of our era: the unconscious ways our minds distort reality. Mental shortcuts – like seeing patterns where none exists or giving undue weight to anecdotal evidence – shape how we interpret information and make decisions. These shortcuts may once have helped humans make quick judgments, but in today’s world of rapid information flow they often lead to misinformation and poor choices.
In Pakistan, where social media is a dominant source of news and opinion, the consequences of bias are all too visible. People are quick to believe sensational posts without verifying facts, reinforcing divisions and weakening public discourse. This phenomenon was seen during last year’s three-day conflict between Pakistan and India, when unverified claims and doctored content circulated widely online. More recently, reports by watchdog groups showed a massive surge in fabricated stories during the PTI protests in Islamabad, including fake statements attributed to political leaders and false reports of casualties that went viral before being debunked.
Scientific thinking, involving skepticism, evidence evaluation and logic, helps individuals question assumptions and resist misleading claims. Education systems should incorporate basic scientific literacy and awareness of cognitive biases into curricula. By teaching students not just what to think but how to think, we can cultivate a generation better equipped to navigate complex issues, from public health to climate change. Scientific thinking empowers citizens to differentiate truth from falsehood, and ultimately strengthens democratic dialogue.
It is high time we embraced a culture of critical inquiry and evidence-based reasoning. Doing so will not only elevate public debate but also protect our society from the dangers of unexamined belief.
Kaleemullah Khoso
Kashmore
