overconfidence

Overconfidence in the context of general knowledge refers to an individual's tendency to overestimate their own knowledge or abilities. When people feel highly confident about their answers or beliefs, they may mistakenly think they are more accurate than they actually are. This often leads to ignoring evidence, dismissing alternative viewpoints, or making poor decisions based on incorrect assumptions. While confidence can be beneficial, excessive self-assurance can hinder critical thinking and lead to errors, especially in situations requiring objective analysis or factual accuracy. Understanding this bias can help individuals engage more thoughtfully with information and expand their knowledge.