Availability Bias: Why Easily Recalled Events Distort Reality

Availability bias refers to the tendency to judge the likelihood of events based on how easily examples come to mind. Dramatic, recent, or emotionally charged events feel more common or more important than they actually are. This explains why people fear plane crashes more than car accidents, despite cars being far more dangerous statistically.

The brain prefers vivid memories. A fresh news story, a personal experience, or a striking image gains disproportionate influence in decision-making. Workplace risks, financial assumptions, and even relationship misunderstandings often stem from availability-driven distortions.

This bias also shapes public perception. Media coverage amplifies rare events until they dominate mental space, creating false impressions about frequency or threat level.

The best way to reduce availability bias is to rely on data rather than memory. When objective statistics replace emotional recall, decisions become more stable and less reactive.