Concept · Cognitive Bias: Persuasion and influence biases
Abilene paradox
Origin: Harvey, 1974
Biological Parallel
Migrating herds follow the leader even when individuals prefer to stay—collective movement despite individual reluctance. No single animal wants to migrate yet, but each assumes others have better information. The paradox: group consensus emerges from misperceived preferences. Schooling fish and flocking birds face the same trap: movement cascades where everyone follows everyone else, and no one follows actual preference. Pluralistic ignorance is the cost of decentralized coordination.