• On another website I frequent I noticed a thread that talked about people who were virus deniers. They all but mentioned you by name. And they referred to virus deniers as suffering from Normalcy Bias. Was that you they were talking about and do you suffer from Normalcy Bias?

Well, well…I see three issues here:

1. Am I the person they are talking about?
2. Am I a “virus denier” and suffer from “Normalcy Bias”?
3. Are you just trying to stir up trouble/contention?

So, last question first…I don’t think you are doing so intentionally, probably not at all. I hope I am right about that because I don’t want to be involved in any contention…we have enough of that right now.

Am I the person they are talking about…No idea whatsoever!  I am trying to focus my attention on my website and creating original content that will help folks deal with the COVID-19 panic and virus.

Am I a “virus denier” and suffer from “Normalcy Bias”…the first part is easy…no. I’ve written about the virus extensively, provided lots of facts and stats, and even wrote what I am personally doing to boost my immune system.  Now…about the “Normalcy Bias” thing…a little more complicated and much more perspective is needed to understand the bigger picture.

Newton’s third law of physics is: For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. The statement means that in every interaction, there is a pair of forces acting on the two interacting objects. 

A common person like myself understands that this law of physics applies more simply to everyday life…there is opposition in all things. There is good and evil, hot and cold, love and hate, intelligence and stupidity, etc.

I believe I know the website you are talking about…and I am not real popular with the leadership, the owner, many of the more vocal members of that website. And honestly…I understand why. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t think they are right. I am surprised in their close mindedness, and disappointed in how they treated me, and others, who wouldn’t fall in line and toe the party line…meaning join their mob mentality and spread hoaxes and adding to the hysteria, hype, fear, and panic that they enjoy so much.

But, let’s go back to the Third Law. Normalcy Bias means refusal of your brain to accept that something has happened, will happen, or to what extent something has happened. It doesn’t mean a person is stupid or ignorant, or unable to think logically. It simply means your brain blocks out information that is out of the norm. It is a protection device your brain uses to prevent a you from freaking out or freezing…or going crazy. Unfortunately, it can also block out information that is significantly important to help you make an informed decision…as in to save your life. So, Normalcy Bias is a bad thing for a prepper…and for most people in general.

Now, applying the Third Law, what would be the opposite to Normalcy Bias?

Competency Bias is simply thinking you are better at something than you really are; or, you think you are better at something than others.

Competency Bias is basically thinking you are better or smarter than you really are. When held up next to Normalcy Bias…they are opposites. The Third Law of physics it true! Normalcy Bias is the absence of information in your brain because your brain blocked it and Competency Bias is the absence of accurate or real information in your brain because your brain blocked it or refused to accept it. See, opposites!

Now, how does this apply to me suffering from Normalcy Bias? Well, to me it is obvious…to others maybe not so much. Let me explain…

I have repeatedly written about COVID-19 and associated provable facts.

I have repeatedly written about the hype, panic, fear, and hysteria associated with COVID-19 and how it is generated by a long series of hoaxes and inaccurate information.

The mere fact I wrote about how I am boosting my immune system to deal with COVID-19 shows I know that there is a serious aspect to it.

So no, I am not suffering from Normalcy Bias because I see its actual, fact-based seriousness. But, to infer that I suffer from Normalcy Bias because I am not accepting and regurgitating the crap/fake information that is going around is pure stupidity.

Now…about the people who you say think I am suffering from Normalcy Bias…what do they embrace? Do they believe that COVID-19 is more deadly than the regular flu season…or host of other hoaxes? Or more simply put…do they think they are smarter than I am…and many others? Sounds like it. And if they are falling for all the hoaxes floating around I would suggest that they are suffering from Competency Bias. They think they are smarter than experienced, knowledgeable, trained experts. They think that facts and evidence don’t apply to them or this situation. Hence, Competency Bias.

The best test of a person suffering from Competency Bias is simple…do they think COVID-19 is more deadly than the regular flu?  For that conclusive and factual answer (click here)

I hope I answered your question…and I hope you weren’t trying to stir the pot.

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Related articles:

• TRAP – The #1 obstacle to people getting prepared for emergencies and disasters is Normalcy Bias.
• TRAP – Competency Bias can kill you.
• TRAP – Normalcy Bias can kill you quicker than Competency Bias.
• Lessons Learned: Size 12 Tennis Shoes & Normalcy Bias

 

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