Israel Has a New Enemy (But Not Who You Think)

“Things that we can do to help reduce the impact of confirmation bias include being open to hearing others’ opinions and specifically looking for/researching opposing views, reading full articles (and not just headlines), questioning the source, and [doing] the research yourself to see if it is a reliable source.” — RACHEL GOLDMAN, PHD, FTOS

In my opinion, the individuals featured in this clip appear to be influenced by common cognitive biases that may be impairing their judgment. Specifically, the claim made at the 3:18 minute mark, that the premier of Israel has stated that the IDF is intentionally destroying Gaza’s critical infrastructure, is incorrect.

In fact, the premier of Israel has consistently stated that the IDF is only targeting the leaders of Hamas and other terrorist organizations, and not deliberately destroying Gaza’s critical infrastructure. It is important to note that Hamas has been known to use hospitals and schools as bases and pretexts for their operations, which may have led to the damage of critical infrastructure.

However, attributing this damage to the IDF’s intent is a misrepresentation of the facts. I perceive such actions as negligence, as it can lead to the spread of misinformation and potentially incite further conflict. Negligence is a criminal offense in South Africa, and it is important to be responsible when sharing information, especially in a context of a conflict.

It is crucial to verify the information before sharing it, and to be aware of the potential impact of misinformation on the ongoing conflict. I urge everyone to be responsible when sharing information, and to fact-check before sharing, in order to avoid spreading misinformation and potentially causing harm.

One common cognitive bias observed in this clip is “The anchoring bias” the second would be “The confirmation Bias, which is observed through the host of this channel and some commentators in the comments field. Let me share detailed information about “The anchoring bias” I have observed here, I will leave it to you to make research about the other common cognitive biases.

The anchoring bias is a cognitive bias that causes people to rely too heavily on the first piece of information they receive (the “anchor”) when making decisions. In the context of the current Middle East war, the anchoring bias can contribute to escalations in several ways:

1. Initial escalation: The anchoring bias can cause decision-makers to base their actions on the initial information they receive, such as the first reports of a conflict or the first demands made by the opposing side. This can lead to an initial escalation of the conflict, as each side responds to the anchor rather than the actual situation on the ground.

2. Escalation of commitment: Once a decision has been made based on an anchor, the anchoring bias can cause decision-makers to become committed to that decision, even as new information becomes available. This can lead to an escalation of commitment, as each side becomes increasingly invested in their initial decision and is less likely to back down.

3. Misperception of the opponent: The anchoring bias can also cause decision-makers to misperceive the opponent’s intentions and capabilities. For example, if the first information received is that the opponent is aggressive and well-armed, decision-makers may be more likely to view the opponent as a threat and respond accordingly, even if subsequent information suggests that the opponent is not as aggressive or well-armed as initially thought.

4. Negotiation: The anchoring bias can also affect negotiation, as each side may be anchored to their initial demands and be less likely to compromise.

5. Public Opinion: The anchoring bias can also affect public opinion, as media outlets and politicians may use the first information received as the main narrative, and the public may be anchored to this narrative, making it harder to change the perception of the conflict.

It’s important to note that the anchoring bias is just one of many cognitive biases that can contribute to escalations in conflicts, and that other factors such as political, economic, and historical contexts also play a significant role.

It’s worth noting that the anchoring bias can be mitigated by seeking out multiple sources of information, considering the credibility of those sources, and being aware of one’s own biases. Additionally, it’s important to be open to new information and be willing to adjust one’s position accordingly.