Ever heard someone say, "They must have done something to deserve it" after hearing about a misfortune? That's likely the Just World Fallacy in action. This cognitive bias is the belief that the world is inherently fair and that people get what they deserve. Essentially, good things happen to good people, and bad things happen to bad people.
While comforting on the surface, this fallacy can lead to blaming victims of crime, justifying inequality, and dismissing systemic issues. It's easier to believe someone 'asked for' a robbery than to confront the reality of societal factors contributing to crime. Recognizing the Just World Fallacy helps us approach situations with empathy and avoid making harmful judgments. The world isn't always fair, and understanding this is the first step towards building a more just one.
