WHAT IS A BIAS?

Bias

• Bias - Prejudice in favor of or against one thing, person, or group compared with another, usually in a way considered to be unfair.
• They can be assumptions formed by, favoritism, prejudice or preference

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• SIMPLE DEFINITION - Unfairly showing favoritism towards something or someone.

Terrorist / Terrorism

Boss

Bias

• We all have biases and act from these biases in unconscious ways.
• These bias’s are formed by our experiences and environments
• The more open we know about bias, the more we can overcome biases.
• This does not make us “bad” people.

Social Media and Bias

• Echo Chamber: An online space where you mostly see ideas and opinions that match your own.
• Social media algorithms often show you more of what you already like, follow, or agree with.
• This can reinforce bias because:
• You see only one side of an issue.
• Opposing viewpoints are ignored or misrepresented.
• Opinions start to feel like “facts” because everyone in your feed agrees.

Spotting Bias in Writing or Speech

• Look for:
• Words that show judgment (best, worst, ridiculous, stupid)
• Missing perspectives or opposing views
• Overgeneralizations (always, never, everyone, nobody)
• Emotional or exaggerated claims

Where Can Bias Be Found?

TWO SIDES TO EVERY STORY

Favorable and Unfavorable

• A favorable bias is a tendency to perceive or judge something in a more positive view
• An unfavorable bias is a tendency to perceive or judge something in a more negative view

What is biased language and what is not?�

• Not biased, just an objective observation:

Frank spends very little money.

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• Biased favorably:   Frank is thrifty.

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• Biased unfavorably:  Frank is  a cheapskate.

Alex – Cell Phone

• Alex uses her cell phone for various purposes, including communication and entertainment.

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• Biased favorably:   Alex uses her cell phone responsibly to communicate with friends. She limits her use to maintain a healthy digital balance.�
• Biased unfavorably:  Alex is glued to her cell phone, neglecting real-world interactions and responsibilities.�

Jessica - Friends

• Jessica maintains a small group of close friends while being friendly with others.

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• Biased favorably:  Jessica has a small, close-knit group of friends who support each other unconditionally.

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• Biased unfavorably: Jessica barely has any friends and struggles making new friends.

Emma - Sports

• Emma is overly focused on sports, neglecting her other responsibilities and interests. (Favorable or Unfavorable)

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• Emma is dedicated to her sports training, showing great commitment and passion for her chosen activity. (Favorable or Unfavorable)

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How could you say this in a neutral (unbiased) way?

Can bias be found in the news?

Consider these two sentences in a news story:

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1. “A crowd of more than 900 attended the protest.”

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2. “Fewer than 1,000 showed up to protest.”

How could you say this in a neutral (unbiased) way?

Let’s Add Unfavorable Bias

• The basketball team won five games this season.

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Let’s Add Favorable Bias

• The school has a dress code policy.