Deadly Mind Traps

Deadly Mind Traps

  • Submitted By: neec4475
  • Date Submitted: 06/01/2016 4:50 PM
  • Category: English
  • Words: 1174
  • Page: 5



Mental Errors or Human Instinct?
In his blog, “Deadly Mind Traps,” Jeff Wise uses examples performed by humans and defines them as mental errors. He states that “simple cognitive errors can have disastrous consequences- unless you know how to watch out for them.” The five scenarios he uses; The Domino Effect, Double or Nothing, Situational Blindness, Bending the Map, and Redlining, are also examples of basic human instinct, or as described in Kate Chopin’s work, general semantics (GS). General semantics show how language, thought and action are interrelated. These traps are ones that humans fall into without thinking of the outcome. Although he defines them as mental errors, human nature plays an important role on how these things are acted upon.
When individuals cry out for help, without thinking of the dangers or potential outcome, the human mind automatically responds and assists. Immediately, the brain sends an impulse that tell you to try to help the person in need. This is categorized as the domino effect, and describes the tragedies that happen one after another in an attempt to help someone else. Most people are willing to help someone that is down and crying out for help. Sian Beilock says, “We're driven to think about helping others instead of rationally identifying potential hazards.” He suggests that we pause for a moment, take a deep breath and analyze the situation to avoid this type of trap. “Even taking one step back sometimes allows you to see it in a different light, to maybe think, my efforts would be better spent running to get help,” she says.
Double or nothing suggests risks taken to avoid losses. No one wants to be a loser. Although, there seems to be a good chance of coming out ahead, a much deeper situation is usually the outcome. The mind says try once more after numerous failures, hoping the next attempt will be of success. Each attempt resulting in yet another failure. Wise categorizes this as a mental error, but human...

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