Thinking Traps

Moral, Political, and Workplace Biases

Affinity bias

Favoring people you feel comfortable with.

What Is Affinity bias?

Affinity bias is a thinking trap where favoring people you feel comfortable with.

How It Tricks You

It can turn partial social evidence into a confident judgment about people, motives, or groups.

Real-World Example

An interviewer favors a candidate who went to the same school.

Seen Online As

What To Ask Instead

Am I evaluating fit or familiarity?

Related Thinking Traps

Common Situations

Quick FAQ

What is Affinity bias?

Favoring people you feel comfortable with.

What is an example of Affinity bias?

An interviewer favors a candidate who went to the same school.

How do I spot Affinity bias?

Am I evaluating fit or familiarity?