Presenter: pattern‑seeking (apophenia) can yield false meaning, especially under stress
Using a visual quiz and examples (Bob Ross toast, 9/11 faces), the presenter described apophenia — seeing patterns in randomness — and warned it increases under stress; recommended labeling the bias and seeking disconfirming evidence.
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Presenter used a visual exercise (many attendees reported seeing Bob Ross in toast) to illustrate apophenia and explained why humans are wired to detect faces and patterns. He said those pattern‑seeking tendencies can create false positives and superstition, particularly when people are stressed or anxious.
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