Why We Think Everyone Agrees With Us: The False Consensus Effect

Have you ever assumed your beliefs were “obvious” and that everyone else must feel the same? That’s the false consensus effect, a mental shortcut where we overestimate how many people share our perspectives, preferences, and attitudes. It crops up everywhere-when we chat with friends about politics, pitch an idea at work, or even choose a restaurant for lunch. In this podcast, we’ll explore what leads to this overconfidence, how social groups and personal biases reinforce it, and why thinking “everyone agrees with me” can be misleading. We’ll also share tips for recognizing-and reducing-this common but sneaky mental trap.