Nothing is as important as you think it is...while you are thinking about it
The Focusing Illusion, as described by Daniel Kahneman, states: "Nothing in life is as important as we think it is while we are thinking about it." This concept is relevant in politics in two ways: what we think and talk about, and who we think and talk about. The topics and individuals that receive the most attention become important in our minds, regardless of their actual importance. There are three implications of the Focusing Illusion: Being aware of what we deem important and not being sidetracked by what is in the news or what others want to talk about. Recognizing our own agency to shape the world around us, rather than solely focusing on those in positions of power. Politicians have a responsibility to shape people's focus and should use this power responsibly. And it's not just other people shaping our attention (think: algorithms).
Focusing Illusion in politics