I’ve written about the availability heuristic in a number of different contexts, and here’s one more. It help explains the success of the get tough on security-type politicians. It also explains why we should be disgusted at the way those type of politicians stoke people’s fears only to ruthlessly exploit them on wasteful and harmful measures like Muslin bands and border walls.

Why sensationalized terrorism coverage makes us overreact to risk.

For most Americans, terrorism is only ever experienced through a television screen or front page of a newspaper. Despite generating massive headlines, terrorism kills a shockingly small number of Americans every year, especially when compared to a problem like gun violence. In terms of the public’s attention, terrorism takes up a lot more space than its death toll warrants.

Continue reading on Vox: This is your brain on terrorism – Vox