Lakshmi Mani/Nir and Far Confirmation bias is seeking and interpreting information that confirms pre-existing beliefs. It affects your decisions and how you see the world around you. Your brain sees challenges to your beliefs as a threat. To protect yourself, the brain sticks to beliefs you already identify with. To combat this bias, approach situations with curiosity, seek disagreement, and evaluate your instinctive reactions. You walk into your first yoga class.