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Curse of knowledge

The curse of knowledge is a cognitive bias that occurs when someone with specialized knowledge assumes that others share that same level of understanding. This can lead to ineffective communication or teaching, as knowledgeable individuals forget the challenges faced by those who are less informed.

Example

In a classroom, a professor may struggle to explain complex concepts to students, forgetting the difficulties they had when they were first learning the material. This gap in understanding can hinder effective teaching and learning.

How to overcome this bias

To overcome the curse of knowledge, individuals should try to empathize with their audience, ask for feedback, and simplify complex ideas to ensure clarity and understanding.