Final answer:
Confirmation bias is the tendency to seek out and recall information that confirms one's existing beliefs, as seen in a student who notices only a professor's negative behavior due to preconceived notions. This bias is strengthened by social media algorithms which further reinforce these beliefs.
Step-by-step explanation:
Confirmation bias is the natural human inclination to seek out, interpret, and remember information in a way that validates our preconceived notions. This cognitive bias manifests in various forms, such as the tendency to focus on information that aligns with one's own beliefs while disregarding data that contradicts them. An example of confirmation bias is when someone only looks for news sources that align with their political views and ignores or dismisses sources that present alternative perspectives. This bias can lead to a reinforcement of one's existing beliefs and hinder critical thinking and open-mindedness.
An example of confirmation bias can be observed when a student believes a professor to be unfriendly. The student may notice and remember every instance of the professor's seemingly rude behavior while overlooking moments of kindness. Thus, the confirmation bias reinforces the student's initial impression despite potentially contrary evidence. Furthermore, with the rise of social media, confirmation bias is amplified as algorithms tend to present us with information that aligns with our existing beliefs, further entrenching our viewpoints and potentially leading to polarized views.