Final answer:
Confirmation bias refers to the tendency to seek, interpret, and recall information that confirms preexisting beliefs. It is a cognitive bias that can lead to the disregarding of contradictory evidence. Confirmation bias is prevalent in various areas, from news consumption to politics and social media use.
Step-by-step explanation:
Confirmation bias is a cognitive bias in which people tend to search for, interpret, favor, and recall information that confirms or supports their preexisting beliefs. This bias leads individuals to ignore facts that conflict with their beliefs and seek out facts that confirm them.
For example, when someone reads news headlines, they may choose to read only stories that align with their existing views. This selective exposure to information reinforces their beliefs while disregarding contradictory evidence.
Confirmation bias is common in many aspects of life, including politics and the use of social media. It can contribute to increased polarization and hinder the open-minded examination of different viewpoints.