Consideration Bias & Your Reading Choices!

1. What is Consideration Bias?

Understanding how consideration bias affects decision-making

Consideration bias occurs when certain options are given more attention simply because they are in front of us, while others are overlooked. This bias affects decision-making by narrowing our choices, sometimes leading us to believe we are making the best decision when, in reality, we are just choosing from a limited set of options.

For example, when choosing a book, we might only look at popular bestsellers, assuming they are the best, without exploring lesser-known yet equally valuable books.

2. How Does Consideration Bias Work?

The Psychology Behind Consideration Bias

Our brains tend to simplify decision-making by focusing on options that are easily available or frequently presented to us. This is a cognitive shortcut that helps reduce mental effort but can also lead to biased choices.

Why We Overvalue Options Once We Start Analyzing Them

Once we begin considering an option, we start justifying its value, often making it seem more appealing than it actually is. The more we analyze it, the harder it becomes to reject, even if better options exist.

For instance, if we start researching a book just because a friend mentioned it, we might convince ourselves it’s the best choice, even if it doesn’t match our reading preferences.

3. Consideration Bias in Everyday Life

Shopping: Why We Buy Things We Don't Need

Marketers exploit consideration bias by placing products in front of us through targeted ads, influencer promotions, and store placements. We often end up buying things not because we need them but because they were put in our consideration set.

Hiring: How Recruiters Unintentionally Limit Choices

Recruiters may focus only on candidates from well-known universities or those with referrals, overlooking highly qualified individuals from less prominent backgrounds. This limits diversity and innovation in the workplace.

Reading: Why We Keep Picking the Same Kinds of Books

Many readers stick to familiar genres, popular authors, or bestsellers, missing out on diverse literature. This happens because algorithms, social media trends, and bestseller lists shape what we consider reading-worthy, keeping us in a reading bubble.

4. Consideration Bias in Book Selection

Are Bestseller Lists Shaping Your Reading Habits?

Bestseller lists create the impression that these books are the best, but they are often driven by marketing, publisher influence, and mass appeal rather than literary quality. Readers who rely solely on these lists may miss out on hidden gems.

How Book Recommendations Can Mislead You

Many book recommendation systems, including social media and online stores, use algorithms that prioritize what’s already popular. This means you see the same books over and over, reinforcing the bias instead of introducing truly personalized options.

To break free, consider exploring indie authors, book clubs, and lesser-known publications.

5. The Impact of Consideration Bias

Why It Narrows Our Choices

Consideration bias limits our exposure to diverse perspectives, whether in reading, hiring, or personal decisions. It creates an illusion of choice while keeping us confined to a narrow selection.

How It Affects Long-Term Decision-Making

If we repeatedly choose from a limited set of options, we may develop habits that prevent growth and exploration. For example, if a company only hires from the same pool of candidates, it may miss out on fresh ideas and innovation. Similarly, if a reader sticks to one genre, they may never experience the richness of world literature.

6. How to Overcome Consideration Bias

Expanding Your Reading Choices

1. Follow Diverse Book Recommendations – Don’t just rely on bestseller lists; check out independent bookstores, literary awards, and recommendations from different cultural backgrounds.
2. Challenge Your Reading Habits – Pick up a book from an unfamiliar genre or a lesser-known author to see if it expands your perspective.
3. Engage with Book Communities – Join book clubs that focus on diverse reading lists rather than mainstream picks.

7. Consideration Bias vs. Consideration Choice

Key Differences and How They Influence Decisions

• Consideration Bias is when we unconsciously overvalue certain options just because they are in front of us.
• Consideration Choice is the process of selecting which options to evaluate before making a decision.

For example, in book selection:

• If you only look at the top 10 bestsellers, that's Consideration Choice—you're limiting your pool of options.
• If you assume the bestsellers are the best just because they're bestsellers, that's Consideration Bias—you're assigning them more value without deeper evaluation.