What is the Baader–Meinhof Phenomenon?

Has it ever happened that you start noticing particular things around you when you learn about them, such as a new word or watching a new advertisement? For instance, if you watch a Skittles advertisement on your TV and then walk around your neighbourhood, there is a high probability that you will see kids playing around with Skittles in their hands, or there might be a brochure of Skittles laying somewhere in the park. 

It has been observed that once you learn a new thing, it keeps emerging in front of you repeatedly.  This phenomenon is known as the  Baader–Meinhof phenomenon. 

Historical Background of  Baader–Meinhof Phenomenon

A journalist, Terry Mullen, once wrote a column about a far militant group in West Germany called Baader Meinhof gang. In return, he wrote that far-left militant group repeatedly mentioned him in response to that column. This journalist then explained this experience in 1994 in a formal setting for a newspaper. 

Several people then wrote to that journalist that they had also faced situations where something they had just learnt kept coming before them. Therefore, this phenomenon was named as Baader–Meinhof phenomenon. Some psychologists suggest that the Baader Meinhof phenomenon is merely the result of selective attention bias.

What is the Baader Meinhof Phenomenon Meaning?

The Baader-Meinhof phenomenon, also called the frequency illusion or recency illusion, refers to the experience of learning or noticing something for the first time and then seemingly encountering it repeatedly shortly afterwards. 

It is a cognitive bias that involves the heightened awareness of a particular phenomenon or object after it has been brought to one’s attention.

Moreover, confirmation bias can also influence this cognitive bias, where we seek information confirming our beliefs or interests. As a result, we may pay more attention to instances of the phenomenon that align with our interests or beliefs.

How Does Baader–Meinhof Phenomenon Happen?

The Baader-Meinhof phenomenon occurs due to how our brains filter and process information. Here’s a breakdown of how it happens: 

Step-1: Selective Attention

Our brains are bombarded with immense sensory information at any given moment. 

To cope with this information overload, our brains employ selective attention, which filters out irrelevant stimuli and focuses on what is important or salient. This filtering process helps us concentrate on specific things while ignoring others.

Example of Selective Attention for Baader–Meinhof Phenomenon

For instance, you recently purchased a new car, and it’s a model you were unfamiliar with. Once you buy that car, after becoming the owner of this car, you start noticing that same car model everywhere on the roads. There has been a sudden surge in the number of people driving the same car.

The number of cars on the road has not changed, but your selective attention has been activated. Now aware of the specific car model due to your ownership, your brain starts filtering and paying attention to that information. As a result, you notice the car more frequently than before.

Step-2: Neural Activation

When we encounter something new or learn about a particular phenomenon, our brain’s neural networks associated with that information are activated. This activation heightens our attention and sensitivity to that specific information.

Example of Activation of Neural Networks in Baader–Meinhof Phenomenon

Let’s say you recently watched a documentary about marine life. The documentary featured a specific species of rare deep-sea fish called the “dragonfish.” The documentary provided detailed information about the unique characteristics and behaviours of dragonfish.

Following the documentary, your brain’s neural networks associated with marine life and fish are activated. Moreover, in the days following the documentary, you may encounter articles, social media posts, or conversations about dragonfish. 

These instances might have been present before, but your activated neural networks make you more inclined to notice them now. 

Step-3: Enhanced Perception

We perceive it more frequently after focusing on a specific phenomenon or object. It can involve seeing, hearing, or noticing instances related to that phenomenon. 

In reality, the frequency of the phenomenon might remain unchanged, but our heightened awareness makes it seem more prevalent.

Example of Enhanced Perception in Baader Meinhof Phenomenon 

For instance, someone interested in photography recently learned about a specific technique. 

After learning about that technique, you start noticing it in various photographs you encounter—on social media, in magazines, or even in your friends’ photo albums. It feels like there has been an increase in the presence of such images captured with that technique.

However, in reality, that has always existed in photography, and the prevalence of it has not changed. However, your enhanced perception, influenced by your newfound knowledge and interest in bokeh, directs your attention to this specific aspect of photographs.

As a result, you become more sensitive to and aware of the presence of bokeh, even in images that you might have previously overlooked or not paid much attention to.

Step-4: Confirmation Bias

Confirmation bias can amplify the Baader-Meinhof phenomenon. This bias leads us to seek information that aligns with our existing beliefs or interests while dismissing or ignoring information that contradicts them. 

Therefore, we may unconsciously pay more attention to instances of the phenomenon that confirm our existing beliefs or interests, further reinforcing our perception of its frequency.

Example of Confirmation Bias in Baader Meinhof Phenomenon 

Suppose you recently read an article about the health benefits of consuming an exotic fruit called “miracle fruit.” The article claims that miracle fruit has numerous positive effects on overall health and well-being.

After reading the article, you start noticing various sources, such as social media posts, testimonials, and advertisements, that reinforce the health benefits of miracle fruit. These instances validate and confirm the claims made in the initial article.

As a result, you become more inclined to believe in the health benefits of miracle fruit. You actively seek out and pay attention to information that supports the positive claims about miracle fruit while ignoring or dismissing contradictory information that questions its effectiveness or raises potential concerns.

Step-5: Attentional Bias

The Baader-Meinhof phenomenon can also be influenced by attentional bias. Once we become aware of a particular phenomenon, our brain’s attentional systems become attuned.

As a result, we are more likely to notice instances related to that phenomenon because our attention is selectively focused on it.

Example of Attentional Bias in Baader Meinhof Phenomenon 

Suppose you recently became interested in learning how to play the guitar. You start researching online, watching tutorials, and reading articles about guitar-playing techniques and musicians.

Once You start noticing guitar stores in your neighbourhood, you might hear guitar music playing on the radio or TV more frequently. You might even start recognising famous guitarists in interviews or performances.

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Real-Life Examples of the Baader–Meinhof Phenomenon

The following are some examples from our daily lives that will help you better understand Baader–Meinhof phenomenon:

These examples mentioned above clearly show that Baader–Meinhof is a cognitive bias, and it occurs due to the activation of neural networks and enhanced perception of a particular thing. This phenomenon also happens because of our subjective selection of that particular thing.

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