frequency illusion

The frequency illusion, also known as the Baader-Meinhof phenomenon, occurs when something you just become aware of suddenly seems to appear everywhere. After noticing a new word, idea, or concept, your brain tends to pay more attention to it, making it seem more frequent than before. This is a result of two cognitive processes: selective attention (focusing on what’s new to you) and confirmation bias (noticing examples that support your new awareness). Essentially, once you learn about something, your mind highlights it, giving the illusion that its prevalence has increased.