The affect heuristic is a mental shortcut that relies on immediate emotional reactions or feelings to evaluate risks and benefits, rather than relying on more systematic analysis. This cognitive bias leads individuals to make decisions based on their emotional responses, often causing them to overestimate the positive aspects of something they feel good about and underestimate the risks associated with it. The affect heuristic plays a significant role in how people perceive various situations and influences their judgment in uncertain environments.
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