The Dunning-Kruger Effect: The Danger of Knowing Little but Acting Like an Expert

The Dunning-Kruger Effect—knowing little but acting like you know a lot—is a widespread psychological bias that leads people with limited knowledge to overestimate their competence. This in-depth article breaks down the meaning, origins, signs, and consequences of the Dunning-Kruger Effect in daily life, work, education, and especially on social media. You'll learn why people fall into this trap, how it affects critical thinking, and how to recognize and overcome it in yourself and others. Whether you're a student, a professional, or simply curious about human behavior, understanding this effect can help you avoid poor decisions and foster humility and growth.