Belief and Reasoning Biases

Pareidolia

Seeing recognizable patterns where none were intended.

What Is Pareidolia?

Pareidolia is a thinking trap where seeing recognizable patterns where none were intended.

How It Tricks You

It can make a conclusion feel proven because it fits what already seems true.

Real-World Example

A face appears in the pattern of a wall outlet.

Seen Online As

• The fast interpretation is doing more work than the evidence.
• The claim feels obvious before the check question is asked.
• A shortcut is making the judgment feel more certain than it is.

What To Ask Instead

Is this pattern projected by my mind?

Related Thinking Traps

• Anchoring bias
• Confirmation bias
• Framing effect
• Loss aversion

Common Situations

• Thinking Traps at Work
• Thinking Traps in Politics
• Thinking Traps Online

Quick FAQ

What is Pareidolia?

Seeing recognizable patterns where none were intended.

What is an example of Pareidolia?

A face appears in the pattern of a wall outlet.

How do I spot Pareidolia?

Is this pattern projected by my mind?