As humans, we have certain default settings that help us navigate the world. Yet those same default settings make us vulnerable to fraud and deception.

For example, our ability to focus helps us concentrate on what’s right in front of us. But it also prevents us from seeing what’s missing. For example, we’re more willing to believe a presumed investment expert who touts a winning track record without thinking about the losses he never mentions.

Our brains also rely on past experiences to guide our behavior. The upside is that it conserves energy and prevents us from having to relearn things like tying our shoes or driving to the store. Unfortunately, it predisposes us to act without thinking.

That’s why Daniel Simons has written a book called Nobody’s Fool: Why We Get Taken in and What We Can Do about It. In it, he points out four habits that can put us at risk, and he shares ways to overcome them. He also points how others can leverage our very human tendencies to deceive us.

Talking to Dan helped me see another side to some of my default settings and how I can stay vigilant, so I don’t get fooled.   

Episode Links

Failures of Awareness: The Case of Inattentional Blindness

Failure to Detect Changes to People During Real-World Interaction

The Last Improv Show

Interview with Woo-Kyoung Ahn

The Team

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