Cognitive biases are systematic patterns of thinking that can lead to errors in judgment and decision-making. They occur when our brains take shortcuts, often influenced by emotions, social pressures, or past experiences. For example, the confirmation bias causes people to favor information that supports their existing beliefs while ignoring contradictory evidence. These biases can affect various aspects of life, from personal relationships to professional choices. Understanding cognitive biases, like the anchoring effect, where individuals rely too heavily on the first piece of information they encounter, can help us make more informed decisions and improve our critical thinking skills.