Top 7 strange psychological effects of the brain that we all have without knowing

The weird and sometimes silly things you do, other people do all the time and it's all part of human nature .

The human brain can be really strange sometimes. It makes us act irrationally, believe things that make absolutely no sense, and can even alter our memories. Yet, every decision we make is for a reason. So what exactly determines the choices you make?

1. Strangers can influence our behavior

It all comes down to the Zajonc theory (social facilitation). You can walk around in your old, torn T-shirt at home but act like a lady in public. However, a person's behavior depends not only on his social circle but also on the number of unwitting witnesses he is surrounded by at a given moment. For example, a man might give up his seat on a public bus to impress a woman.

How can you avoid getting caught up in the 'spiral' of pretending in front of strangers? Ask yourself every now and then: 'Why am I doing this? Am I doing it to impress someone and make them like me or because I want to?'

2. A person's interest in an experiment makes them behave differently

The Hawthorne effect applies here. A new environment can make us excited about a test or event, causing us to behave differently, act more enthusiastically, and give a false positive result. For example, in the supermarket, let's say you are asked to taste a new fish cake flavor and fill out a questionnaire. You may give it a high score at the supermarket, but when you buy it at home, you realize it's nothing special.

Try to think clearly and thoughtfully. Responding to a survey or test does not require you to give it the highest score just because you were selected to participate.

3. People remember incomplete tasks more than completed ones.

The Zeigarnik effect applies here. A person is more likely to remember unfinished tasks or actions. For example, a waiter remembers your order until they bring it to you and then they turn their attention to other customers. Very few people will remember your order because it has already been completed.

If you want to avoid the 'trap' of this effect, it's best to complete whatever you need to do to avoid it getting stuck in your memory.

4. People deliberately buy expensive things.

It is the Veblen effect - an economically irrational demand for expensive products. This effect is often observed in young people who are concerned about maintaining their social status. Cheap or discounted products or goods are perceived as defective.

So when you're looking for the latest Gucci bag or planning a trip to Europe just for Instagram, ask yourself: 'Am I paying for quality or social image?'.

5. People tend to like people who make mistakes.

This is an example of the Pratfall effect . People who appear successful but make mistakes and look funny tend to be more attractive to us. Perfection makes us keep our distance and can even be annoying.

So don't be afraid to be awkward or act silly. Besides, it's much easier to meet people when we're being ourselves than when we act like kings and queens.

6. People overestimate the amount of attention they receive

The highlight effect gives the impression that you are being watched and that everyone is noticing all your mistakes. If a woman forgets to apply mascara on one eye, do you think people around her will notice and laugh at her? The truth is, people will only notice if the difference is too big.

People actually notice our mistakes less than we think. If you have a stain on your shirt, don't dwell on it. Think about how often you notice other people's carelessness. If you don't, you're not that noticeable either.

7. The more people you surround yourself with, the less likely it is that someone will try to help you when you need it.

The bystander effect applies here. The more people around a person in need, the less likely it is that any one of them will actually help. If there are many people in one place, each of them may think that someone else will help. So no one helps.

If you suddenly feel like you need help in a public place, don't call out to the whole crowd. Instead, ask a specific person to help you, such as calling them by the color of their shirt or where they are standing. This way, you'll have a better chance of being heard and helped.