The dangers of apophenia: not everything happens for a reason

Mild apophenia occurs in many domains such as finance, arts, and politics. It has the potential to lead to risky behaviours or wrong beliefs about the meaning of a pattern.

Visual illusions. Some people see non-existent images in clouds such as a face as a sign of something significant, such as a message from a loved one or a sign of the future.

Financial decisions. People who notice an illusory pattern may believe the outcome of an event is not determined by chance but by previous outcomes or choices. Gamblers might believe that if they make two small wins in a row, they will have a third win.

Apophenia can help you think more creatively, but big decisions should be made only when the facts are clear.

To avoid the pitfalls of apophenia:

• Pay attention to any biased assumptions you make when faced with false patterns.
• Work on accepting that not everything happens for a reason. You are more likely to be successful by making rational decisions based on available evidence.
• Compare the so-called "signs" from the universe with your research.