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DebiasDaily
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Well-established

Social

Projection Bias

Social-cognitive bias

Definition

The tendency to assume that others share your current beliefs, values, feelings, or preferences.

Why it happens

Our own perspective is the most accessible reference point. It requires extra effort to imagine that others might think or feel differently from how we do.

Real-life examples

  • Assuming your coworkers are as excited about a project as you are.
  • Buying a gift you would love rather than considering the recipient's taste.
  • Thinking everyone agrees with your political views because your social circle does.

How to counter it

  1. Before assuming, explicitly ask others about their preferences or feelings.
  2. Practice perspective-taking: imagine the situation from their unique viewpoint.
  3. Use surveys or structured feedback instead of guessing.
  4. Remind yourself: "My feelings are not universal."

Quick tips

  • Actively ask others about their preferences instead of assuming.
  • Practice perspective-taking: genuinely try to see things from another's viewpoint.
  • Remember that your feelings and preferences are not universal.
  • Use surveys or feedback rather than guessing what others want.

Sources and further reading

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