Dichotomous thinking. opposite extremes

Dichotomous thinking, also known as "all-or-nothing" or "black-or-white" thinking, is a cognitive pattern of evaluating situations, people or one's own experiences in extreme and mutually exclusive categories.

It does not recognize the existence of nuances, intermediate degrees or the inherent complexity of reality.

This type of thinking is one of the most common biases and can have a significant impact on emotional well-being and the ability to perform critical analysis.

Characteristics of Dichotomous Thinking

People who tend to dichotomous thinking often see the world in absolute terms: something is either completely good or completely bad, a resounding success or an absolute failure, perfect or a disaster.

There is no room for moderation, intermediate solutions or the idea that things can be partially correct or have both positive and negative aspects.

This way of processing information is easier for the brain, as it avoids the need for deeper and more nuanced analysis.

If, for example, a mistake is made, it is easier to conclude "I'm a fool" and abandon the task, than to analyze the multiple factors involved and consider the mistake as a learning opportunity.

Consequences and Limitations

Dichotomous thinking generates unrealistic expectations about oneself and others, which can lead to great emotional instability, moving quickly from euphoria to despair.

It makes it difficult to deal with frustration, as any less than perfect result can be interpreted as a total failure.

This mental pattern also encourages severe self-criticism and can cause problems in interpersonal relationships, as it tends to idealize or devalue people without appreciating their complexity.

It also limits the ability to find creative or intermediate solutions to problems.

Socially and culturally, dichotomous thinking is often encouraged, especially in areas such as politics, where choices are presented as "with me or against me" or "left or right," oversimplifying complex realities.

False Dichotomies

An additional problem associated with this bias is the presentation of "fals