“Everyone does that…” ABSTRACTION TRAP ⚠ BOTMOB SCAN DETECTED

In everyday conversations, I often encounter the phrase "Everyone does that..." which seems harmless but can significantly impair clear understanding. This phrase is a classic example of the Abstraction Trap, where a complex or specific issue gets oversimplified through overgeneralization. From personal experience, when someone uses this rhetoric, it feels like they are dismissing my perspective by implying my concern is common and therefore unjustified. This tactic—known as categorical flattening—effectively erases the unique factors or exceptions that are crucial for addressing problems accurately. For example, a colleague once complained about a workplace challenge, and the response was, "Everyone does that," which diluted the validity of their struggle by making it seem ordinary rather than unique or fixable. Understanding this helps me approach conversations with more caution. Instead of accepting such generalizations, I try to ask for specifics, distinguishing the individual issue from the broader category it was placed in. This way, discussions become more productive and less prone to misunderstanding. Recognizing and resisting the Abstraction Trap is vital not only for personal communication but also for critical thinking and decision-making. It encourages us to look beyond vague statements and seek detailed, nuanced information, which ultimately leads to better problem-solving and a clearer grasp of reality.