![]() The wider societal importance of these errors derives from the fact that they reduce precautionary actions, such as practicing safe sex or saving for retirement 8, 9. For instance, financial analysts expect improbably high profits 3 and family-law attorneys underestimate the negative consequences of divorce 2. Even experts show worrying optimistic biases. For example, highlighting previously unknown risk factors for diseases is surprisingly ineffective at altering peoples’ optimistic perception of their medical vulnerability 8, 9. However, this normative account is challenged by findings showing that providing people with evidence that disconfirms their positive outlook often fails to engender realistic expectations. According to influential learning theories agents should adjust their expectations when faced with disconfirming information 6, 7. A problem that has puzzled scientists for decades is why human optimism is so pervasive, when reality continuously confronts us with information that challenges these biased beliefs 5. People’s estimations of the future are often unrealistically optimistic 1- 5. These findings show that optimism is tied to a selective update failure, and diminished neural coding, of undesirable information regarding the future. However, highly optimistic individuals exhibited reduced tracking of estimation errors that called for negative update within right inferior prefrontal gyrus. Distinct regions of the prefrontal cortex tracked estimation errors when those called for positive update, both in highly optimistic and low optimistic individuals. ![]() This selectivity was mediated by a relative failure to code for errors that should reduce optimism. Specifically, we show a striking asymmetry, whereby people updated their beliefs more in response to information that was better than expected compared to information that was worse. ![]() How people maintain unrealistic optimism, despite frequently encountering information that challenges those biased beliefs, is unknown. ![]() Shop Amazon: As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.Unrealistic optimism is a pervasive human trait influencing domains ranging from personal relationships to politics and finance. Related: Kakao Games and Krafton Announce ELYON as New Name for Ascent: Infinite Realm By purchasing Additional Packages users will be able to secure up to a 72-hour head start, an exclusive weapon, and an exclusive armor set. Those who pre-order Elyon will enjoy exclusive pre-order rewards, guaranteed CBT2 access and a 24-hour head start on release.
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