Cognitive Bias: Egocentric Bias

Principal Category: Cognitive Biases

Author:
•  Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.*

Egocentric bias is a cognitive distortion where individuals overestimate the relevance of their own thoughts and experiences, which can make them more vulnerable to scams and complicate their recovery process. This bias leads to overconfidence, difficulty recognizing red flags, and a false sense of security, making it easier for scammers to manipulate their targets. In recovery, egocentric bias can cause victims to blame themselves, feel isolated, and struggle to accept help, thereby prolonging their emotional distress. Overcoming egocentric bias through self-awareness, support, trust-building, and education is crucial for scam victims to heal and move forward.

Understanding Egocentric Bias in the Context of Scams and Scam Victimization

What is the Egocentric Bias

Egocentric bias is a cognitive bias that causes people to overestimate the extent to which their thoughts, beliefs, and experiences are typical or representative of others. In other words, individuals with egocentric bias tend to assume that others think, feel, and perceive things in the same way they do. This bias leads to a distorted view of reality, where one’s own perspective is seen as more common or normal than it actually is.

Egocentric bias can manifest in various ways, such as:

Overestimating Influence: Believing that one’s actions or opinions have a greater impact on others than they truly do.

Assuming Similarity: Assuming that others share the same values, beliefs, or experiences, even when there’s no evidence to support this.

Difficulty Understanding Different Perspectives: Struggling to empathize with or understand viewpoints that differ from one’s own.

Egocentric bias can affect decision-making, communication, and relationships, as it can lead to misunderstandings and a lack of appreciation for the diversity of human experiences and perspectives.

What is Egocentric Bias in the Case of Scams & Scam Victimization?

Egocentric bias is a cognitive distortion that causes individuals to overestimate the extent to which their thoughts, beliefs, and experiences are shared by others. This bias leads to an inflated sense of self-importance and a skewed perception of reality, where one’s own experiences and perspectives are seen as more common or influential than they actually are. In the context of scams and scam victimization, egocentric bias plays a significant role in both how individuals fall victim to scams and how they recover from such experiences.

In Scam Victimization

Scammers often exploit cognitive biases to manipulate their targets, and egocentric bias is no exception. This bias can make individuals more vulnerable to scams in several ways:

Overestimating One’s Immunity to Scams: Many people believe that they are too savvy or knowledgeable to fall victim to a scam. This overconfidence is rooted in egocentric bias, where individuals assume that their judgment is superior to others’. Scammers exploit this by crafting schemes that appeal to the victim’s sense of self-assurance, making them believe they are making smart decisions when, in reality, they are being manipulated.

Assuming Scams Only Happen to Others: Egocentric bias can also lead individuals to believe that scams are something that happens to other people, not to them. This “it won’t happen to me” mentality creates a false sense of security, making people less vigilant and more susceptible to scams. The belief that they are somehow immune to fraud because of their intelligence or experience makes them prime targets for scammers who know how to exploit this overconfidence.

Difficulty Recognizing Red Flags: When someone believes that their perspective is the norm, they may dismiss or overlook warning signs that would otherwise alert them to potential fraud. Egocentric bias can cloud judgment, causing individuals to ignore inconsistencies or suspicious behavior because they assume their interpretation of events is accurate. This can prevent them from seeing the scam for what it is until it’s too late.

Egocentric Bias in Scam Recovery

Egocentric bias doesn’t just play a role in how scams are perpetrated; it also significantly impacts the recovery process for victims. After a scam, the same cognitive distortion can hinder a victim’s ability to heal and move forward.

Blaming Themselves for Falling Victim: Victims of scams often struggle with intense feelings of shame and self-blame, which can be exacerbated by egocentric bias. Because they may have believed they were too smart to be scammed, falling victim can lead to a harsh internal dialogue where they berate themselves for not recognizing the fraud. This self-directed blame is a direct result of egocentric bias, where the individual assumes they should have been immune to deception.

Isolation Due to Misunderstood Experiences: Egocentric bias can also cause scam victims to feel isolated in their experience. They may believe that others cannot understand what they went through, leading them to withdraw from support systems. This isolation can delay or complicate the recovery process, as victims may be reluctant to seek help or share their experiences with others who could offer comfort or advice.

Difficulty Accepting Help: In recovery, egocentric bias can manifest as resistance to accepting help or guidance. Victims might believe that they can “fix” their situation on their own, underestimating the value of external support from professionals or peer groups. This can slow down their recovery and lead to prolonged suffering.

Struggle to Rebuild Trust: Rebuilding trust in others—and in themselves—can be particularly challenging for scam victims. Egocentric bias can make them believe that their judgment is permanently flawed or that others are universally untrustworthy. This can hinder their ability to form new relationships or engage in healthy social interactions post-scam.

Overcoming Egocentric Bias in Scam Recovery

Recognizing and addressing egocentric bias is crucial for scam victims to recover fully. Here are some strategies that can help:

Self-Awareness: The first step is acknowledging that egocentric bias exists and that it has likely played a role in both the victimization and the recovery process. Understanding that everyone is susceptible to cognitive biases can help victims be more compassionate toward themselves.

Seeking Support: Engaging with support groups, counselors, or therapy can help scam victims gain perspective on their experiences. By hearing the stories of others, they can begin to see that they are not alone and that their experience is part of a broader pattern of deception.

Rebuilding Trust: Gradually learning to trust others again is essential for recovery. This can be done through controlled, low-risk interactions that help restore confidence in personal judgment and in the goodness of others.

Education: Learning about cognitive biases, including egocentric bias, can empower scam victims to recognize these distortions in their thinking. Education can provide tools to counteract these biases, leading to healthier decision-making in the future.

Conclusion

Egocentric bias is a powerful cognitive distortion that can make individuals more vulnerable to scams and can complicate their recovery process. By understanding the role of egocentric bias in both victimization and recovery, scam victims can take steps to mitigate its effects, seek appropriate support, and rebuild their lives with greater awareness and resilience. Acknowledging and overcoming egocentric bias is a critical component of healing and moving forward after a scam.

This is but one component, one piece of the puzzle …

Understanding how the human mind is manipulated and controlled involves recognizing that the tactics employed by deceivers are multifaceted and complex. This information is just one aspect of a broader spectrum of vulnerabilities, tendencies, and techniques that permit us to be influenced and deceived. To grasp the full extent of how our minds can be influenced, it is essential to examine all the various processes and functions of our brains and minds, methods and strategies used the criminals, and our psychological tendencies (such as cognitive biases) that enable deception. Each part contributes to a larger puzzle, revealing how our perceptions and decisions can be subtly swayed. By appreciating the diverse ways in which manipulation occurs, we gain a more comprehensive understanding of the challenges we face in avoiding deception in its many forms. “Thufir Hawat: Now, remember, the first step in avoiding a *trap* – is knowing of its existence.” — DUNE “If you can fully understand your own mind, you can avoid any deception!” — Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. “The essence of bravery is being without self-deception.” — Pema Chödrön

Important Information for New Scam Victims

• See more at www.ScamVictimsSupport.org – a SCARS Website for New Scam Victims