Forer Effect

Describes the tendency of people to identify with universal descriptions, and believe they relate to them specifically. Also referred to as the Barnum Effect.

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Key Insights & Principles

Cognitive Biases

1. Humans have a tendency to look for information that confirms our existing beliefs (confirmation bias), and ignore information that doesn't conform with those beliefs.
2. We tend to accept flattery or positive things about ourselves.
3. We tend to try to pattern match or make sense of things, and one way to do that is to relate things to ourselves.

1. Remain skeptical, and ask questions.

Book References