From tweets to trades: Heeding the risks of social media in investing

IN THE realm of finance, cognitive biases profoundly influence investor decision-making. Among these biases, confirmation bias remains particularly pervasive.

Confirmation bias is the inclination to favour information that aligns with pre-existing beliefs while discounting contradictory evidence.

The bias is exacerbated by echo chambers on social media platforms, where algorithm-driven content personalisation creates an environment that reinforces investors’ views. Platforms such as X (formerly Twitter) and Reddit are especially prone to these dynamics, particularly among younger retail investors, significantly shaping market perceptions.