Lumping

One of humans’ unique characteristics is their ability to anticipate the future. This ability is what keeps humans alive on the Savvanah. If we could predict if a sabertooth tiger was around the corner, we would increase our chances of survival.

Today, we certainly do the same. Instead of focusing on animals, we look at people and situations similarly. As a result, lump danger all together in one category. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing until we are looking at Twitter from the comforts of our own homes or looking at a name on a resume.

These snap judgments are riddled with bias. And while it can still keep us alive when driving down the freeway, it isn’t that valuable in extending the benefit of the doubt when talking about conflicting ideas.