What is recency bias?

Recency bias refers to the cognitive phenomenon where individuals more easily recall the most recent information or events over those that occurred earlier. This bias impacts decision-making and judgments because people are influenced more by what they have seen or heard last. In the context of discussions, presentations, or any information exchange, the latest points made tend to overshadow prior information, leading to an imbalance in how each part is remembered and assessed.

The other concepts, while related to memory and perception, do not accurately define recency bias. For instance, the tendency to forget earlier points focuses on the act of forgetting itself rather than the weight given to recent information. Preferring fresh ideas over older ones relates more to trends in thinking rather than the recollection process involved in recency bias. Lastly, the influence of initial impressions pertains to how first encounters shape perceptions, which is distinct from the specific focus on how recent information is recalled and prioritized.