申論題

       We live in a complex world, filled with numerous possibilities. However, when we use language, we often tend to frame information in terms of opposites. For example, we ask questions like "Was the movie good or bad?" or make statements like "You'll either love or hate stinky tofu!" We even judge appearances by asking, "Does she look good with long or short hair?" This way of thinking is so prevalent that researchers have coined a term for it: binary bias. People with binary bias tend to think in black-or-white terms, disregarding the shades of gray that don't fit into either-or categories when presented with data.

       If binary bias is not a reliable way to process the world mentally, then why do we have it? One reason is that binary thinking allows us to break down information into manageable pieces, enabling efficient decision-making. We ask ourselves questions like "Should I turn left or right after the stop sign?" or "Do you want soup or salad with your meal?"

      Another reason is that an either-or classification provides humans with a sense of security, even in situations with multiple outcomes. For instance, a common belief is that good people go to heaven and evil people go to hell. But is every person truly just either good or evil?

       Binary bias not only influences our daily lives but also seeps into critical areas of thinking, including politics, public policy, and health. In many countries, politics revolves around a two-party system, with two dominant political groups vying for power. This system often marginalizes other voices that could be valuable, depriving them of a fair chance to be heard. Climate change is a contentious issue today, where those who believe in human-made climate change tend to blame "climate deniers" when natural disasters occur. However, it's possible for climate deniers to adopt environmentally sustainable lifestyles for reasons other than addressing climate change. Thinking in terms of binaries can lead to generalizations that fail to accurately represent the complexity of the problems at hand. Binary bias also affects our approach to health decisions. For example, we might try to decide whether to cut added sugar from our diet or completely avoid fat. Consequently, we become distressed about the food we eat instead of enjoying healthy, balanced meals.

       Binary bias isn't entirely negative. In fact, it is sometimes necessary for us to navigate through life. However, by acknowledging its prevalence, we can become more aware of our thinking patterns and how we interpret the world.