Groupthink Bias: What You Need to Know About It

Things such as peer thinking or group thinking were cool when we were young and naive, but as adults, the desire to give in to others’ way of thinking seems more and more uncool. Instead of that, we have begun to conform to others’ ways of thinking. This gives birth to a cognitive bias called, “Groupthink”.

Groupthink bias in psychology is when you begin to lose your voice or way of thinking to conform to others. So, instead of becoming your way of thinking, it becomes group thinking – and not the childish ones, either.

While we like sharing ideas and brainstorming, this kind of solidarity in groups can cause groupthink bias. How? Well, because instead of speaking differently and choosing the less-traveled road, we choose to quietly agree and trail behind others as they move on the well-traveled road. This leads to dissatisfaction and even poor decision-making in many cases.

So, are you ready to choose the less-traveled road? Then, buckle your seat belts as I help you understand the groupthink bias, how it influences your decisions, and how you can overcome this cognitive bias.

What is Groupthink Bias in Psychology?

Groupthink bias is a psychological bias where you give in to a group’s thinking and ignore your way of thinking. While it’s OK to discuss things as a group, it can become troublesome when the group you’re part of agrees to a wrong decision or finds a less fortunate solution. It’s like how one sheep will blindly follow the rest without knowing whether it’s moving towards a cliff or a field.

Thinking in a group isn’t exactly wrong, but when you let it become your default way of thinking, it can prevent you from being creative and thinking out of the box. And, if the group is making the wrong decision, then you agree to the same – and at the end of the day, you end up making the wrong choice, even for yourself.

Groupthink Bias Examples

Groupthink bias can be attributed to many political and socio-economic crises over the years. Examples include The Vietnam War of 1964, the Bay of Pigs Invasion, the Challenge Space Shuttle Disaster of 1986, and the U.S. ignoring the warning before Pearl Harbor, are just some of them.

More than that, there are other decisions we make that might be influenced by a group – whether we’re aware of it or not.

Why Does Groupthink Occur?

I remember when I was in school and we were given a group project to do. What ideas I had didn’t truly match with others, but when the majority of the group agreed with others’ ideas, I kept quiet. I knew that my ideas might have worked better, but I kept to myself because speaking differently was intimidating for me.

That’s what happens mostly. We end up agreeing to a group’s way of thinking because we fear that speaking up and disagreeing would cause nothing but disharmony.

Other reasons why groupthink bias occurs are because;

• A sense of identity: If a group of people shares similarities – personality-wise or otherwise – it can make others agree with their thinking because when most of the group members agree, isn’t it right?
• Peer influence: Another reason this bias occurs is because people place a lot of value on what others might think of them. This peer influence can become a handicap in many cases.
• A lack of knowledge: This cognitive bias also occurs when you feel that you lack certain knowledge and believe that others in a group are more knowledgeable. That puts pressure on you to go along with their way of thinking.
• Stress: Yes, even stress can cause groupthink bias. When you’re placed under pressure and stress, then you might just go along to avoid more triggering situations.

What Does Research Say?

Studies have shown that even the peer review process in academic and scientific journals could be a victim of groupthink bias. It was found that once a claim is published in a journal or an article, fellow researchers find it easier to gather the data that supports that claim instead of making a new one.

Moreover, after a finding is reported, researchers are more likely to conduct studies that validate the data rather than challenge it. See, how groupthink bias exists?

In another 2016 study, it was found that when professionals or doctors groupthink, patient outcomes worsen. It could be because professionals don’t consider alternative hypotheses to explain the condition of their charge.

How Does Groupthink Bias Affect Us?

Because of groupthink, we often end up giving in to peer influence and finding a place to belong. We believe that if we go against the tide, we’ll be isolated and rejected. So, to feel a sense of belonging and to “fit in”, it’s easier to engage in groupthink bias.

Did you know that studies also show that the groupthink influence of the ones we know or the groups we belong to is more powerful than that of strangers?

Here’s how else groupthink bias impacts our overall health and decision-making;

• Poor Decision-Making

When you engage in groupthink bias, you often end up suppressing your opinions and thoughts, even when they are better or positive. This can lead to poor decision-making or making wrong decisions. What’s more, is that this psychological bias can cause you to feel overconfident, which can end up leading to poor consequences.

• Less Creativity

The pressure to give in to others can stifle your creativity. You might avoid speaking up or sharing new ideas out of fear of being rejected or made fun of. This lack of creativity in a group can lead to a small-minded focus and a lack of healthy problem-solving skills.

• Cognitive Bias

Another impact of this bias on our well-being could be that it gives birth to more cognitive bias. For example, once a claim is published, researchers focus on finding data to support it rather than challenge it. This can cause confirmation bias.

• Social Consequences

In a political or social context, groupthink can increase polarized thinking. It means that as a group you become less open to compromise and more set in your views and opinions. This can end up having serious social consequences because you choose not to consider the warnings or consequences of your decisions.

How to Overcome Groupthink Bias?

Now that you have an idea of what groupthink bias looks like, let’s take a look at the ways you can overcome this cognitive bias;

• Explore More

The first thing you can do to overcome this bias is to explore more. Seek new groups, meet new people, and explore more cultures. The more you know, the less you’ll give in to the old way of thinking. Exploring more can also broaden your horizons and change your perspectives.

The more perspectives you’re exposed to, the more you’ll feel comfortable sharing your thoughts and opinions with others in a group. Just know that it’s OK if your ideas and opinions don’t align with others in the group. Each person thinks differently, after all.

• Discuss More

If you’re not comfortable discussing your thoughts openly, then you’ll become more and more comfortable with groupthink bias. You have to discuss more! This opens doors to more thoughts and perspectives, eventually more growth – as a person and as a group.

If you discuss, then others around you will feel encouraged to speak up and share their opinions too. This will make the discussion more transparent and effective. Share your thoughts so that others feel comfortable sharing theirs!

• Understand What Matters

What matters to you can also make it easier for you to overcome groupthink bias. If you know what matters to you, you will feel more confident in speaking up against the collective decision of the group. If you keep quiet about things that matter to you, you’ll lose confidence in your thoughts and decisions.

Of course, the more you speak up, the more the conversation will flow. Some people in your group might not always agree with you, but at least you’ll end up having a healthy discussion, a space to share your thoughts and more knowledge. Just because you’re a part of a group does not mean that you give away your values.

• Choose The Opposite, But Wisely

There are many conversations where you just can’t stay silent, so choose the opposite. When you’re part of a discussion on a certain topic where you know your input will add to the discussion, speak wisely. Now, in many conversations, we nod our heads and go along just to please others, but is it healthy? Does it present any new solution or an out-of-the-box idea?

Do the opposite and challenge the norm. It’s not that you’re stirring the pot or starting a fight; you’re just presenting a space for healthy communication. Maybe some people will agree with your way, while others might not. However, you’ll know that at the end of it, you’ll have had a meaningful discussion.

• Support Your People

More often than not, people want to speak and present their opinions in a group. But how can they when they don’t feel supported? You take the lead! If a member of your group has something to add, instead of shutting it down, support their theory and let them speak. Feeling supported by your peers can go a long way in overcoming groupthink bias.

There were times in my life when I didn’t feel supported by my peers in a group, and it always discouraged me from speaking my mind because I didn’t feel valued. So now, when I know I’m supported, I speak up, and it usually ends up in a healthy discussion. Try it, maybe it’ll work for you too!

Wrapping Up…

When I was a kid, my mom used to tell me that out of 100 people, you need to be the odd one out. Maybe it’ll make you uncomfortable, but the idea is to stand out. You can’t blindly follow others off the cliff. Today, I’ll impart the same wisdom to you. You can’t always be a fellow sheep following the herd off the cliff.

Different people, different perspectives, different thoughts — these are the things that set us apart from others. We need these things to overcome groupthink bias. You can’t live your life nodding your head and saying, “YES” to all, even when you disagree with something.

I hope this article will help you find the ways you can avoid groupthink bias and start thinking differently about things. Maybe you’ll be the odd voice, but you’ll have spoken up about your thoughts and opinions, right?

What’s your favorite way to speak against group thinking? Let me know your thoughts and tips in the comments section below.

Take Care!