How do biases affect communication?

Biases can significantly influence communication by distorting perceptions and leading to misunderstandings. When individuals hold biases, these preconceived notions can skew their interpretation of information, affecting how messages are both sent and received. For example, if someone has a bias against a particular group, their understanding of communications from that group may be heavily influenced by their preconceived attitudes, potentially leading to misinterpretations or unfair judgments about the message being conveyed.

Additionally, biases can cause individuals to selectively focus on information that confirms their existing beliefs, while ignoring or dismissing contradictory information. This distortion can result in a communication breakdown, where the intended message fails to resonate or is misinterpreted by the audience. This is particularly critical in settings like discussions, negotiations, or collaborative efforts where clear and unbiased communication is essential for effective interaction and understanding.