What if bias isn’t just a glitch in the system — but part of being human?
From tribalism to political polarization, we’ve built entire societies around who we trust and what we fear. But what if those instincts, once useful, are now part of the problem?
Why Are Humans Biased?
Bias is a survival mechanism. Our brains are wired to make fast decisions based on limited information — a trait that helped our ancestors survive. These mental shortcuts, called heuristics, help us respond quickly to threats or uncertainty. But this instinct can lead to prejudice, stereotyping, and flawed judgment in modern society. We also grow up in different environments, cultures, and media bubbles that shape how we interpret the world, often without realizing it.
The Comfort of Being Right
We crave consistency. When faced with information that challenges our beliefs, it creates discomfort, called cognitive dissonance. Instead of adjusting our perspective, we often double down to protect our identity or sense of belonging. Political tribes and echo chambers only reinforce this. And when social media algorithms feed us more of what we already believe, it becomes easier to feel “right” than to feel curious.
Can AI Do Better?
If humans are inherently biased, maybe it’s time to ask — should we hand over certain decisions to systems that aren’t? An AI, properly built and ethically designed, doesn’t care about race, religion, or history. It operates on data, consistency, and logic. Of course, AI comes with its risks. But it also offers something humanity has struggled with for centuries: the ability to be fair, without emotion, ego, or revenge.
Could an unbiased machine ever make better decisions than we do? Or is it just inherent that our flaws are perceived in code?
Here’s a quote by ChatGPT, a machine with no bias… allegedly
“A machine makes no decisions out of anger, fear, pride, or revenge — only logic. And sometimes, that’s exactly what humanity needs most.”
— Generated by ChatGPT
Side note: I know this post steps outside of finance, but I want QuantSight to be more than just charts and market analysis. At the end of the day, data, decisions, and systems shape everything — from economies to governments. Thanks for sticking with me as I explore that bigger picture.
Please subscribe to my publication. It would be most appreciated.