Final answer:
Confirmation bias occurs when people focus more on information that agrees with their existing beliefs and ignore information that is contrary. It is a cognitive bias that can influence perception and amplify existing viewpoints, especially when reinforced by social media algorithms.
Step-by-step explanation:
Confirmation Bias and Attention to Information
The condition that describes when people tend to pay more attention to information that agrees with their existing beliefs and less attention to information that is contrary to their beliefs is known as confirmation bias. Confirmation bias is a cognitive bias that involves focusing on information that supports one's preconceptions, leading to statistical errors. It is a powerful force and can lead to the oversight of contrary evidence that does not align with our pre-existing beliefs. In the context of social media, this bias can be amplified as algorithms tend to show us information that aligns with what we already believe, reinforcing our current viewpoints and sometimes contributing to division within society.
For example, if you believe that a certain political party can do no wrong, you are more likely to consume and recall news that paints that party in a positive light while discounting news that might show its flaws or mistakes. This is an instance of confirmation bias influencing one's perception and judgment. The bias serves as a filter that magnifies supportive evidence and minimizes or ignores disconfirming evidence.