Illusory Superiority

The Psychology Behind It

Illusory superiority, often referred to as the "above-average effect," is a cognitive bias where individuals overestimate their own qualities and abilities relative to others. Whether it's intelligence, driving skills, health, or popularity, people have a pervasive tendency to rate themselves as better than the average person.

This bias stems from a need for positive self-regard. Maintaining a positive self-image is crucial for mental well-being, and believing we are "better than average" helps protect our ego. It is also driven by the fact that we judge ourselves by our intentions (which are usually good) and others by their actions (which we may judge more harshly).

Real-World Examples

Driving Skills

One of the most famous examples comes from a 1981 study where 93% of American drivers rated themselves as better than the median driver. Statistically, this is impossible—only 50% can be above the median.

Intelligence and IQ

Most people believe they are smarter than the average person. This can lead to frustration in debates or collaborative work, as individuals may dismiss others' valid points because they assume their own intellect is superior.

Health and Immunity

People often believe they are less likely to get sick or develop chronic conditions than their peers. This "optimism bias" can lead to risky health behaviors, such as skipping vaccines or not wearing seatbelts, because "bad things happen to other people."

Consequences

Illusory superiority can lead to:

• Risk Taking: Overestimating one's skills (e.g., in investing or sports) can lead to dangerous or costly risks.
• Conflict: Believing one is more fair, moral, or hardworking than others can breed resentment and conflict in relationships and workplaces.
• Lack of Preparation: Students who overestimate their grasp of the material may study less and perform poorly.
• Complacency: If we believe we are already excellent, we may not strive to improve.

How to Mitigate It

Mitigating illusory superiority requires a shift from subjective self-assessment to objective measurement.

1. Use Objective Data: Compare your performance against clear, objective standards rather than a vague idea of "others."
2. Seek External Feedback: Ask others for honest assessments of your skills. Be prepared to hear things that might bruise your ego.
3. Consider the "Average" Person: When you rate yourself as above average, explicitly define what "average" means. You may find the average is higher than you thought.
4. Focus on Growth: Adopt a growth mindset where the goal is improvement, not proving superiority.

Conclusion

Illusory superiority is a comforting lie we tell ourselves. While it can boost self-esteem, it can also blind us to our faults and prevent us from growing. By grounding our self-assessments in reality, we can achieve true competence rather than just the illusion of it.