When you think of major historical events, what comes to mind first? Maybe World War II, the Civil Rights Movement, or the fall of the Roman Empire. That’s not a coincidence—it’s a reflection of something called availability bias, and it plays a surprisingly big role in how we understand the past.
What Is Availability Bias?
Availability bias is our tendency to judge the importance or frequency of something based on how easily we can recall it. If it’s vivid, dramatic, or talked about often, it feels more significant—even if it’s not the full picture.
In history, availability bias shapes what we learn, remember, and emphasize. And while it helps us connect with compelling stories, it can also distort our view of what actually mattered in the long arc of time.
- We Focus on What’s Dramatic, Not What’s Lasting
Events like wars, assassinations, or revolutions are unforgettable—and for good reason. But they often overshadow slower, quieter changes that had just as much (or more) impact.
Example: We remember the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, but we rarely talk about the decades-long economic and social pressures that made that moment possible.
The result? A skewed sense of cause and effect, where change looks sudden and simple, rather than complex and gradual. - Familiar Stories Crowd Out Forgotten Ones
If something is frequently covered in media, textbooks, or movies, it’s more likely to be remembered—and assumed to be more important.
Example: The Holocaust is a central part of 20th-century history education, but other genocides, like those in Armenia, Rwanda, or Bosnia, receive far less attention.
This doesn’t mean we shouldn’t focus on well-known events. But it does mean we should ask: What (or who) are we forgetting? - Some Histories Get Left Behind
Everyday life, long-term social trends, and marginalized voices often don’t get the spotlight because they don’t have a “hook” that sticks in memory.
Example: Innovations in agriculture or public health have shaped more lives over time than many wars—but because they’re less dramatic, they’re less memorable.
Availability bias favors the sensational over the subtle. That’s why studying social, cultural, and economic history is so important—it fills in the gaps left by what we remember first. - Pop Culture Reinforces Bias
Movies, TV shows, and even video games play a huge role in shaping what history we “remember.”
Example: How many films have been made about World War II? Now compare that to the number of movies about the transatlantic slave trade, the decolonization of Africa, or the global influenza pandemic of 1918.
What gets retold becomes more available in our minds—and more likely to be seen as “important.” - It Affects How We Understand Today
When current events happen, we instinctively compare them to the most available historical moments—often inaccurately.
Example: Political opponents are frequently likened to Hitler, or crises are framed as “the next 1930s,” even when the context is entirely different.
These quick comparisons can lead to emotional reactions rather than thoughtful analysis.
So What Can We Do About It?
Availability bias is part of how our brains work. But when we study history, we can take steps to minimize its influence:
- Look beyond the headlines: Explore lesser-known events and figures.
- Read from diverse perspectives: Different cultures and communities preserve different memories.
- Ask what’s missing: If a history feels too neat or too familiar, dig deeper.
- Appreciate the slow burn: Learn to value gradual changes and overlooked contributions, not just big explosions.
Final Thoughts
History is more than a highlight reel. It’s a complex web of experiences, stories, and changes—many of which don’t get the airtime they deserve. Recognizing the role of availability bias helps us see past what’s simply memorable and start uncovering what’s truly meaningful.
So the next time you think about history, ask yourself: Is this what’s most important—or just what’s easiest to recall?