Changing our beliefs during an emergency may be difficult due to confirmation bias: we tend to interpret ambiguous messages in a way consistent with our beliefs. Normalcy bias is a complex phenomenon that occurs as a result of several different factors.Ĭrisis communication sometimes requires people to do something that seems counterintuitive, such as evacuating their homes even when the weather seems fine. Normalcy bias is a defense mechanism that lulls us into thinking life will just continue as it always has. Although we may think that people will start running in response to danger (as they would in the movies), in reality people may react with a delay-or not react at all. Phrases like “that won’t happen here” or “it won’t be that bad” are signs of normalcy bias. Under normalcy bias, people exhibit denial or disbelief, even in the face of imminent danger. As a result, we often fail to take preventive measures or cope with the situation effectively. Even when we are advised on what to do, we may downplay the possibility of something bad happening to us or disregard how disruptive a disaster might actually be. Normalcy bias (or normality bias) is a cognitive bias that occurs in times of crisis, leading us to disregard any signs or warnings that we are in danger. Frequently asked questions about normalcy bias.
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