False Uniqueness Effect

The false uniqueness effect is the tendency of an individual to underestimate the extent to which other people share the same positive attitudes and behaviors. Individuals tend to think that their attributes and traits are more uncommon and rare than they actually are.

For example, a person may think that their ability to play sports is special and unique to them. They don't consider the millions of other people who are just as good or even better at sports than they are. The opposing concept to this is the false consensus effect which is the tendency for an individual to overestimate the degree to which other people agree with them. This can be harmful in group decisions when someone thinks that all of the other members agree with them when in actuality they do not.