What is the primary consequence of confirmation bias?

The primary consequence of confirmation bias is that people tend to favor information that aligns with their preexisting beliefs. This psychological phenomenon can significantly impact how individuals process information and make decisions, as they may seek out or give more weight to evidence that supports what they already think, while dismissing or undervaluing information that contradicts their views.

This behavior often leads to a reinforcement of existing beliefs, making it challenging for individuals to consider alternative perspectives or revise their opinions based on new information. The tendency to focus on confirming evidence can create echo chambers, where one's beliefs become more extreme over time, affecting critical thinking and leading to potential misconceptions about reality.

In contrast, the other options suggest outcomes that are less typical of confirmation bias. People usually do not become more flexible in their thinking; instead, confirmation bias restricts cognitive flexibility. Likewise, decision-making arguably becomes less data-driven under the influence of this bias, as it relies on selective evidence rather than objective data. Additionally, confirmation bias rarely leads to more rational viewpoints; instead, it often results in a reinforcement of bias, skewing rational analysis.