The Frequency Illusion, also known as the Baader-Meinhof phenomenon, is a fascinating psychological phenomenon that many of us have experienced in our everyday lives. Imagine hearing about a certain concept, word or name for the first time and suddenly it seems to pop up everywhere. This feeling that something you have just encountered suddenly seems to be everywhere describes the frequency illusion.

Interestingly, the reason for this phenomenon is not that the object or topic in question actually occurs more frequently. Rather, it has to do with our perception and attention. As soon as our brain is made aware of something new, it tends to perceive it more strongly in the subsequent period. This is partly due to the so-called "confirmation bias", where we tend to notice and remember information that confirms our previous assumptions or observations.

A classic example of the frequency illusion is when you buy a new car or are interested in a particular model. Suddenly it seems as if every second car on the road is driving exactly that model. In reality, the number of these cars has probably remained the same, but our perception has changed.

In the modern world, where we are inundated with information, the frequency illusion can be amplified. Social media algorithms that display content based on our previous interactions can reinforce the feeling that certain topics or ideas are suddenly ubiquitous.

This phenomenon is not only an interesting psychological observation, but also has practical implications. In marketing, for example, the frequency illusion can be used to reinforce the perception of a brand or product in the minds of consumers.

To summarise, the Frequency Illusion is a fascinating example of how our perception can influence reality. It reminds us that what we perceive as "frequent" or "ubiquitous" often has more to do with our own attention and perception than with actual changes in our environment.