Recursion Bias

A form of generative bias where the attempt to correct a bias leads to the same bias at a higher level, creating an infinite regress. For example, being aware of confirmation bias might lead one to engage in confirmation bias about which information confirms that confirmation bias exists. Recursion bias can cause paralysis: everything you think is suspect, because your thinking about your thinking is also biased. It highlights the limits of pure introspection.

Recursion Bias Example: “He doubted his own doubt about being biased, then doubted that doubt—recursion bias, the infinite mirror of self‑skepticism.”

Recursion Bias by Abzugal May 1, 2026