Why Familiar Ideas Aren't Always True

We tend to believe things we've heard many times. An idea becomes familiar, and after awhile we stop questioning it. We might not remember where we first heard it or why we believed it in the first place. It simply becomes something we accept as true.

Familiarity can replace examination

This happens more often than we realize. From an early age, we're influenced by our parents, teachers, friends, and the culture around us. We adopt beliefs about money, success, relationships, religion, and countless other subjects. Some of those beliefs are correct. Others are partly true or completely wrong. But familiarity can make it difficult to tell the difference.

Repetition creates a feeling of truth

There's a psychological phenomenon known as the illusory truth effect. When we hear the same information repeatedly, we're more likely to believe it, even when there isn't much evidence supporting it. Repetition makes information easier to recognize, and we sometimes confuse that feeling of familiarity with knowing something to be true.

Popularity is not proof

Think about how often we hear certain opinions repeated in the news or on social media. After enough exposure, an idea can begin to seem obvious. We assume that because so many people are saying it, there must be something to it. But popularity isn't proof of accuracy. Large numbers of people can believe something that isn't true.

We defend familiar beliefs

One of the biggest obstacles to critical thinking is our unwillingness to question our own beliefs. We like information that confirms what we already think. We tend to avoid information that challenges us. And when someone presents a different point of view, we're often more interested in defending ourselves than understanding what they're saying.

Certainty still needs judgment

Of course, we can't investigate every idea we encounter. There isn't enough time. We have to rely on other people for much of what we know. But we should be careful about whom we trust and how certain we allow ourselves to become.

Ask why you believe it

A useful habit is to occasionally ask yourself why you believe something. Is it supported by evidence? Have you considered other explanations? Or does it simply feel true because you've believed it for so long?

Familiarity is not understanding

You don't have to abandon your beliefs every time they're challenged. But you should be willing to examine them. Being familiar with an idea isn't the same as understanding it. And believing something for a long time doesn't make it true.