Availability bias is a cognitive bias that causes people to overestimate the likelihood of events that are easy to remember. This can be dangerous because it can lead people to make poor decisions based on inaccurate information.

Availability bias happens because our brain relies on memories to make decisions, and we often give more weight to recent or vivid memories.

For example, let's say you read about a shark attack in the news. This event is likely to be fresh in your mind, so you may start to believe that shark attacks are more common than they actually are.

Availability bias can also lead us to overestimate the likelihood of events that we have personal experience with. For example, if you've ever been in a car accident, you may think that car accidents are more common than they actually are.

Availability bias can lead to poor decision-making because it causes us to base our decisions on inaccurate information.

For example, if you're planning a vacation to the beach, and you think that shark attacks are more common than they actually are, you may decide to avoid the beach altogether. This can lead to you missing out on a fun and relaxing vacation.

How to overcome availability bias

There are a few ways to overcome availability bias. One way is to consider all of the information before making a decision. 

For example, if you're planning a vacation to the beach, in addition to considering the risk of shark attacks, you should also consider the many other risks that are present at the beach (e.g., sunburn, rip currents, etc.).

By considering all of the information, you're more likely to make a decision that is based on accurate information.

Another way to overcome availability bias is to look at statistics. For example, if you're worried about the risk of shark attacks, you can look up the statistics on shark attacks. You may find that the risk of being attacked by a shark is actually quite low.

By looking at the statistics, you can get a more accurate picture of the risks involved in activities like swimming at the beach.

Availability bias can lead to poor decision-making, but there are ways to overcome it. By considering all of the information and looking at statistics, you can make better decisions that are based on accurate information.