What is an example of assimilation bias?

Assimilation bias occurs when individuals interpret new information in a way that aligns with their existing beliefs or experiences, often leading to a distortion of the new information. For example, if a person holds a strong belief that a particular diet is effective for weight loss, they may focus on and remember only the success stories related to that diet while disregarding evidence or testimonials that highlight its ineffectiveness. This selective attention reinforces their original belief, demonstrating assimilation bias in action.