Affinity bias, also known as the similarity bias, similar-to-me effect, and the mini-me syndrome, refers to an implicit cognitive bias where people are favorably biased toward others like themselves.[1] Those similarities may stem from a multiplicity of personal attributes including similarity in appearance, race, gender, socioeconomics, and educational attainment.[1][2][3] Affinity bias can hamper creativity and collaboration through insular thinking.[4]
People with similar personalities, backgrounds, and experience are able to more readily form social connections.[5]