Confirmation Bias: How It Skews Your Health Decisions and What to Do About It

When you search for info about a medication and only click on articles that praise it—even if the science says otherwise—you’re not being careless. You’re falling for confirmation bias, the mental habit of favoring information that matches what you already believe. Also known as positive bias, it’s why people stick with ineffective treatments, ignore warning labels, or dismiss their doctor’s advice. This isn’t about being dumb. It’s about how your brain saves energy by trusting familiar ideas, even when they’re wrong.

Confirmation bias shows up everywhere in health. Someone who believes natural remedies are safer might only read blogs that say pharmaceuticals are toxic, while ignoring clinical trials showing real benefits. A person with chronic pain might cling to one painkiller because it "worked once," even though newer options are safer and more effective. Even doctors aren’t immune. Studies show physicians often overlook symptoms that don’t fit their first guess, leading to misdiagnoses. This bias also fuels the spread of medical misinformation, false or misleading health claims that spread because they feel right. It’s why people trust Instagram influencers over peer-reviewed studies. And it’s why treatment choices, the decisions you make about medications, supplements, and therapies. often end up costing more money, time, and health.

Look at the posts here. One article explains why dairy blocks bisphosphonate absorption—but if you believe calcium supplements are always good, you might skip that detail. Another breaks down aspirin guidelines for heart health, yet if you’ve been taking it for years "just in case," you might ignore the 2025 update saying it’s risky for most. These aren’t just facts. They’re challenges to your beliefs. And your brain will fight to keep the old story alive. That’s confirmation bias at work.

There’s no magic fix. But you can start by asking: "What evidence would change my mind?" If the answer is "none," you’re already biased. Try reading one article that disagrees with your view—not to be convinced, but to understand why someone else believes it. Check the sources. Look for studies, not testimonials. Talk to your pharmacist, not just your friend who "swears by" a supplement. The goal isn’t to flip your opinion. It’s to make sure your opinion is built on real data, not just what feels comfortable.

Below, you’ll find real-world examples of how confirmation bias quietly shapes health choices—from skipping meds because of side effects you read about online, to sticking with outdated treatments because "it’s always worked." These aren’t abstract ideas. They’re decisions people make every day. And they’re the reason some of the most effective treatments never get used.