Domino Bias

A cognitive bias modeled on the domino effect: once the first domino (acceptance of a “small” pseudoscience) falls, a chain reaction will inevitably knock down all subsequent dominos (more dangerous beliefs). Domino Bias assumes an irreversible, linear progression that leaves no room for intervention or independent judgment. It is a favorite of rhetorical alarmists who argue that any tolerance for non‑scientific ideas will lead inexorably to the collapse of rational society. The bias ignores that people can and do stop chains of reasoning at will.

Example: “He warned that using a homeopathic cold remedy was the first domino—next would be vaccine refusal, then abandoning modern medicine entirely. Domino Bias treating a single choice as an unstoppable cascade.”

by Dumu The Void March 25, 2026