Overview & Description: Zero-sum bias refers to a cognitive bias where individuals perceive that a gain for one party must result in a loss for another, seeing situations as win-lose. The underlying assumption is that resources are finite and that more for one means less for others.

Implications:

• Economic and Political Decisions: Can influence policies and market strategies based on flawed assumptions of resource distribution.
• Interpersonal and International Relations: May fuel unnecessary competition and conflicts.

References:

• Meegan, D. V. (2010). Zero‐Sum Bias: Perceived Competition Despite Unlimited Resources. Frontiers in Psychology, 1, 191.
• Garcia, S. M., Tor, A., & Schiff, T. M. (2013). The Psychology of Competition: A Social Comparison Perspective. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 8(6), 634–650.