Cognitive illusions are mental errors that occur when our brain misinterprets information, leading to incorrect conclusions or perceptions. Unlike optical illusions, which trick the eyes, cognitive illusions involve higher-level thinking processes. They can affect our judgment, memory, and decision-making, often without us realizing it. These illusions can arise from biases, heuristics, or the way information is presented. For example, the anchoring effect occurs when people rely too heavily on the first piece of information they encounter, influencing their subsequent decisions. Understanding cognitive illusions can help improve critical thinking and decision-making skills.