Author:
• Tim McGuinness, Ph.D., DFin, MCPO, MAnth – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
Article Abstract
The Negative Contrast Effect, a cognitive bias, magnifies perceptions of dissatisfaction and distress when individuals compare their current situation unfavorably to more favorable alternatives, such as others’ lives.
Scam victims often fall prey to this bias, feeling inadequate or resentful when comparing their suffering to the seemingly quicker recoveries of others. Social media compounds this effect by showcasing idealized lives, intensifying victims’ distress.
Recognizing this bias is essential for effective support and healing, enabling victims to cultivate realistic perspectives and foster resilience in their recovery journey.
Addressing the tendency to compare and promoting self-compassion are vital steps in mitigating the negative impact of the negative contrast effect on scam victims.
Negative Contrast Effect – a Cognitive Bias that makes things appear worse than they are!
The negative contrast effect is a psychological phenomenon where individuals perceive a current situation as worse than it actually is because it is compared to more favorable or idealized situations, such as the lives of others.
This cognitive bias leads people to devalue their current circumstances relative to a better alternative, resulting in dissatisfaction and negative emotions, such as resentment or envy. In the context of scam victims comparing their suffering or victimization to others, the negative contrast effect can play a significant role in stopping recovery and healing and leaving victims stuck.
Scam victims can experience the negative contrast effect when they compare their own experience to that of others whom they perceive as having suffered less or recovered more quickly.
For example, suppose a victim sees someone who appears to have bounced back swiftly from a similar scam. In that case, they may feel even more distraught about their own situation, perceiving their recovery as slower or more challenging than it actually is. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy, frustration, and self-blame, exacerbating the psychological toll of the scam. It can also lead to resentment of the others.
Also, because of social media where individuals often showcase only the positive aspects of their lives, scam victims may be particularly susceptible to the negative contrast effect. Seeing curated depictions of others’ seemingly perfect lives can magnify their own feelings of distress and disillusionment, further intensifying the contrast between their own suffering and others’ apparent well-being.
The negative contrast effect is a cognitive bias, as it involves a systematic deviation from rational judgment due to the comparison of different situations or stimuli. In the case of scam victims, this bias distorts their perception of their own experience relative to that of others, contributing to heightened distress and hindering the recovery process.
Recognizing the negative contrast effect and its impact on scam victims is critical for obtaining effective support, recovery, and healing. By addressing the tendency to compare their suffering to that of others and helping them cultivate a more realistic and compassionate view of their recovery journey, individuals can mitigate the negative effects of this bias and rebuild resilience.
About Cognitive Biases
This article is part of SCARS continuing commitment to helping the victims of scams (financial fraud) to better understand the psychology of scams. In other words, why are victims vulnerable and how do Cognitive Biases relate to that?
How Do Cognitive Biases Make People Vulnerable To Scams, Fraud, and Deception
How do cognitive biases play a role in making people vulnerable and susceptible to scams, fraud, and deception?
Cognitive biases are mental shortcuts that allow people to make quick decisions and judgments based on their past experiences and memories. These biases can be helpful in many situations, as they allow people to process large amounts of information quickly and efficiently. However, they can also make people vulnerable to scams, fraud, and deception.
One reason why cognitive biases make people vulnerable to scams is that they can lead people to make judgments that are not based on evidence or logical reasoning. For example, Confirmation Bias (a major bias that makes people vulnerable) is the tendency to seek out and interpret information that supports one’s preexisting beliefs, while ignoring or dismissing information that contradicts them. This can make people more susceptible to scams that appeal to their beliefs or biases, as they are more likely to believe the scammer’s claims without critically evaluating the evidence.
There are several ways that people can protect themselves from scams, fraud, and deception. One way is to be aware of common cognitive biases and how they can affect decision-making. This can help people to be more mindful of their thought processes and to question their own judgments.
Another way to protect oneself is to be skeptical of claims and offers that seem too good to be true. It is important to carefully evaluate the evidence and to ask questions before making a decision. This can help people to avoid falling for scams that rely on emotional appeals or incomplete information.
It can also be helpful to seek out additional sources of information and to consult with trusted friends, family members, or professionals before making a decision. This can provide a more balanced perspective and help to identify any potential red flags. But if you do not understand your Cognitive Biases then you will not even see the red flags!
Overall, cognitive biases can make people vulnerable to scams, fraud, and deception by leading them to make judgments that are not based on evidence or logical reasoning, and by causing them to make irrational or risky decisions. However, by being aware of these biases and taking steps to protect oneself, people can reduce their risk of falling victim to these types of scams.
Summary
Cognitive biases do make people more vulnerable to scams, fraud, and deception by causing them to ignore warning signs, pay more attention to information that supports their preexisting beliefs, rely on incomplete information, and anchor their decisions to easy and often incorrect information.
By being aware of these biases and making an effort to overcome them, people can be better equipped to avoid falling victim to scams and other forms of deception.
More About Cognitive Biases & Vulnerabilities
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A Question of Trust
At the SCARS Institute, we invite you to do your own research on the topics we speak about and publish, Our team investigates the subject being discussed, especially when it comes to understanding the scam victims-survivors experience. You can do Google searches but in many cases, you will have to wade through scientific papers and studies. However, remember that biases and perspectives matter and influence the outcome. Regardless, we encourage you to explore these topics as thoroughly as you can for your own awareness.
Statement About Victim Blaming
Some of our articles discuss various aspects of victims. This is both about better understanding victims (the science of victimology) and their behaviors and psychology. This helps us to educate victims/survivors about why these crimes happened and to not blame themselves, better develop recovery programs, and to help victims avoid scams in the future. At times this may sound like blaming the victim, but it does not blame scam victims, we are simply explaining the hows and whys of the experience victims have.
These articles, about the Psychology of Scams or Victim Psychology – meaning that all humans have psychological or cognitive characteristics in common that can either be exploited or work against us – help us all to understand the unique challenges victims face before, during, and after scams, fraud, or cybercrimes. These sometimes talk about some of the vulnerabilities the scammers exploit. Victims rarely have control of them or are even aware of them, until something like a scam happens and then they can learn how their mind works and how to overcome these mechanisms.
Articles like these help victims and others understand these processes and how to help prevent them from being exploited again or to help them recover more easily by understanding their post-scam behaviors. Learn more about the Psychology of Scams at www.ScamPsychology.org
Psychology Disclaimer:
All articles about psychology and the human brain on this website are for information & education only
The information provided in this article is intended for educational and self-help purposes only and should not be construed as a substitute for professional therapy or counseling.
While any self-help techniques outlined herein may be beneficial for scam victims seeking to recover from their experience and move towards recovery, it is important to consult with a qualified mental health professional before initiating any course of action. Each individual’s experience and needs are unique, and what works for one person may not be suitable for another.
Additionally, any approach may not be appropriate for individuals with certain pre-existing mental health conditions or trauma histories. It is advisable to seek guidance from a licensed therapist or counselor who can provide personalized support, guidance, and treatment tailored to your specific needs.
If you are experiencing significant distress or emotional difficulties related to a scam or other traumatic event, please consult your doctor or mental health provider for appropriate care and support.
Also read our SCARS Institute Statement about Professional Care for Scam Victims – click here to go to our ScamsNOW.com website.
If you are in crisis, feeling desperate, or in despair please call 988 or your local crisis hotline.
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