Affinity bias is a crucial concept within diversity, equity, and inclusion (dei) efforts. This bias occurs when individuals unconsciously favour others who share similar traits or backgrounds, whether it be … 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.

We gravitate toward people like ourselves in appearance, beliefs, and background. And we may avoid or even dislike people who are different from us.