What does false consensus bias imply?

False consensus bias refers to the cognitive bias where individuals overestimate the degree to which their own beliefs, opinions, or behaviors are normal and widely shared. This bias leads people to believe that their views are common and that numerous others would agree with them, even when this may not be the case.

Choosing the first option captures this phenomenon accurately, as it emphasizes the assumption that others share the same opinions and validate our actions, leading to a collective sense of conformity that may not reflect reality.

The other options do not correctly describe false consensus bias. For instance, stating that few people agree with our beliefs highlights a more accurate acknowledgment of differing opinions, which contradicts the essence of the false consensus bias. Similarly, suggesting that others have different opinions indicates a recognition of diversity in viewpoints, while the bias itself involves a failure to recognize that divergence. Lastly, indicating that most people are unconfident in their views does not align with false consensus bias, as the bias characterizes a misplaced confidence in the universality of one’s own beliefs.