The affect heuristic

The affect heuristic is a mental shortcut we use when making decisions based on our feelings or emotions. Instead of analyzing facts or data thoroughly, we often rely on our immediate emotional response to a situation. For instance, if we feel positively about a person or concept, we may overlook potential risks and focus on the benefits. Conversely, negative feelings can lead us to exaggerate the dangers associated with something. This heuristic helps us make quick judgments but can also lead to biased or irrational decisions when emotions overshadow reasoned analysis.