Unconscious bias is grounded in neuroscience as our brains process an enormous amount of information every second, far more than we could consciously handle. To manage this, the brain looks for patterns, filters information, and creates mental shortcuts that help us navigate the world efficiently. Without these shortcuts, everyday tasks would become exhausting. Imagine having to consciously think through every step involved in opening a door, tying your shoelaces, or washing your hands. Much of what we do relies on automatic processes that free up mental capacity for other things.

The challenge is that these shortcuts are built from the cumulative effect of everything we have been exposed to throughout our lives, for example, our upbringing, culture, experiences, education, media, and social environment. I think because these processes operate largely outside our conscious awareness, we often do not realise they are influencing our perceptions, judgments, and decisions. As a result, unconscious bias can sometimes lead us to act in ways that do not align with our values, intentions, or the person we believe ourselves to be. The goal is not to eliminate shortcuts altogether, they are essential to how our brains function, but to become more aware of them and create opportunities to make more conscious choices.