illusion of control

The illusion of control is the tendency for people to believe they have more influence over outcomes than they actually do. It’s a common cognitive bias where individuals overestimate their ability to control events, especially in situations that are largely driven by chance or outside their influence. For example, someone might believe their actions can ensure a win in a game of luck, or that they can influence the outcome of unpredictable circumstances. Recognizing this illusion helps people make more realistic assessments and decisions, understanding where their control ends and randomness begins.