What Is The Ostrich Effect?

The ostrich effect is a psychological term used to describe a cognitive bias or human behavior in which individuals avoid or ignore information or situations they perceive as negative or threatening. This term is derived from the popular but inaccurate belief that ostriches bury their heads in the sand when faced with danger, although they do not actually exhibit this behavior. In the context of human psychology, the ostrich effect manifests when people deliberately choose not to confront or acknowledge problems, risks, or challenges in their lives. Instead of facing difficult situations head-on, they may engage in denial, avoidance, or procrastination as a way to temporarily alleviate anxiety or discomfort. This can apply to various aspects of life, including personal finance, health issues, relationship problems, or professional challenges. <img alt="" src="https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:700/1*awm0jB1hAC1RvX5wPRQ1fg.jpeg" style="height:467px; width:700px" /> What Is The Ostrich Effect? Nouriel Gino Yazdinian The ostrich effect can have negative consequences because ignoring problems or risks often leads to them worsening over time. It can hinder problem-solving, decision-making, and long-term planning. It’s important to recognize this bias in oneself and others and strive to address challenges and issues proactively rather than avoiding them. Below steps are guidelines to help you overcome the ostrich effect. <a href="https://medium.com/@nyelizabeth/what-is-the-ostrich-effect-c8f275b03906">Read More</a>