Optimism bias is a psychological phenomenon in which people tend to evaluate and anticipate the future in a more positive way than objective data or experience would justify. This tendency can lead to unrealistically optimistic expectations. For example, people often believe that they are less likely to be affected by negative events, such as health problems or accidents, compared to others.

One possible explanation for this bias lies in our natural tendency towards self-deception. We want to be optimistic and tend to give more weight to information that supports our optimistic beliefs than to sceptical information. This can lead us to downplay risks and potential negative consequences.

The optimism bias can have both positive and negative effects. On the positive side, it can help to promote our mental well-being, as optimism is often associated with positive emotions and resilience. People with a high level of optimism are better able to cope with stress and challenges.

On the negative side, the optimism bias can lead us to become more careless and make risky decisions because we underestimate the negative consequences. This can be problematic in various areas of life, including finances and health.

It is important to note that the optimism bias is different for everyone and that it is not always negative. A certain degree of optimism can have a motivating effect and encourage us to take on new challenges. Nevertheless, it is helpful to be aware that this bias exists in order to make better-informed decisions and assess possible risks appropriately.