As individuals, it’s vital that we are able to think critically, question assumptions, and make well-informed decisions.
When these abilities are lacking, it can lead to misguided beliefs, poor choices, and even manipulation by others.
Lack of critical thinking skills isn’t always obvious. In fact, it may appear in subtle ways that can be easily overlooked until the consequences become apparent.
To help you identify when someone might be lacking in this crucial skill, I’ve compiled a list of seven subtle signs to watch out for, all backed by psychological research.
Let’s dive in.
1) They jump to conclusions
Jumping to conclusions isn’t always as dramatic as it sounds.
It’s often a subtle and gradual process that happens without the person even realizing it.
This is when someone makes a decision or forms an opinion without having all the facts.
They might hear a piece of information and immediately accept it as truth, without questioning its source or considering other possibilities.
Perhaps they read a headline on social media and share the news without reading the full article.
Or maybe they meet someone for the first time and quickly form an opinion based on their appearance or a single interaction.
In some cases, they may make a significant decision based on an assumption or gut feeling, without taking the time to gather more information or consider the potential consequences.
According to psychology, this is actually a cognitive distortion and one that often leads to misunderstanding, miscommunication, and poor decision-making.
It’s one of the key signs that a person might be lacking in critical thinking skills.
2) They struggle with perspective-taking
Taking on someone else’s perspective is more than just a social nicety; it’s a significant part of critical thinking.
Consider this: someone consistently fails to see things from any other viewpoint than their own.
They might not entertain the idea that there could be multiple valid perspectives on an issue.
Or, they may dismiss others’ opinions as irrelevant or wrong without giving them proper consideration.
At work, this might look like a colleague who insists their way of doing things is the only effective method, despite evidence to the contrary.
In a friendship, it could be a friend who never takes your advice or dismisses your experiences as unimportant compared to theirs.
This lack of perspective-taking can limit their ability to understand complex issues, appreciate diversity, and make balanced judgments.
3) They are sure of their rightness
In a world filled with complexities and uncertainties, it’s challenging to be always right.
However, some people have an unwavering belief in their correctness, even in the face of contradicting evidence.
This might seem like a sign of confidence or conviction at first glance.
But if you dig deeper, you’ll see that it can indicate a lack of critical thinking.
Psychologists call this the “backfire effect“. It’s when someone becomes even more convinced of their beliefs after being presented with facts that contradict them.
Instead of adjusting their perspective, they double down.
Why? Because admitting they were wrong feels uncomfortable. It threatens their ego and sense of self.
People with strong critical thinking skills, on the other hand, know that being wrong is just part of the learning process.
They aren’t afraid to say, “I didn’t think of it that way” or “I might be wrong.”
But people who are convinced they’re always right miss out on the chance to grow, learn, and see the world through a wider lens.
4) They struggle with self-reflection
Self-reflection can be a tough task, requiring us to confront our flaws and uncertainties.
However, it’s a crucial part of critical thinking.
As entrepreneur Swati Deepak Kumar writes, “Critical reflective thinking involves examining our thoughts, actions, and experiences thoughtfully and introspectively. It goes beyond surface-level analysis and encourages us to question assumptions, consider multiple perspectives, and challenge our own beliefs and biases.”
Without this step, it’s almost impossible to grow as a thinker. After all, if you’re not willing to question yourself, how can you expect to question the world around you?
Imagine someone who rarely takes a moment to reflect on their choices or actions. When things go wrong, they point fingers instead of looking for their own role in the outcome.
This lack of introspection keeps them stuck in the same cycles, repeating mistakes over and over.
People with strong critical thinking skills do the opposite — they pause, reflect, and ask, “What could I have done differently?”
Self-reflection isn’t about self-blame; it’s about self-awareness. And without it, growth becomes nearly impossible.
5) They follow the crowd
We’ve all been there – at that crossroad where it’s easier to just go along with what everyone else is doing or thinking.
After all, fitting in is a basic human instinct.
But when someone consistently follows the crowd without questioning the why or how, it’s a sign they might be lacking in critical thinking skills.
This phenomenon is known as “groupthink“, and it happens when people prioritize harmony over independent thought. Instead of analyzing situations for themselves, they conform to the majority’s opinion, even if it’s flawed.
Why? Because challenging the group feels risky. It’s more comfortable to blend in than to stand out.
You’ve probably seen this in action — maybe at work, where everyone agrees with the boss even if the idea has obvious flaws.
Or in social settings, where people follow trends they don’t even like just to avoid being “different.”
In contrast, critical thinkers aren’t afraid to stand alone.
They ask questions, seek evidence, and challenge the status quo when it doesn’t make sense.
Neither are they swayed by popularity. They rely on logic and reasoning instead of herd mentality.
Following the crowd might feel safe, but it rarely leads to exceptional outcomes.
6) They often fall for the banana in the tailpipe
We all love a good laugh and there is no harm in falling for a harmless prank or joke. It’s part of what makes life fun!
But if it happens all the time? There might be a critical thinking issue at play.
People who consistently fall for deception, manipulation, or obvious tricks are missing that extra step — questioning what’s in front of them.
It’s about failing to recognize patterns, question motives, or identify red flags.
People with strong critical thinking instincts ask, “Does this make sense?” before jumping to conclusions.
They pause, analyze, and look for hidden details that might change the full picture.
On the other hand, people who fall for “banana-in-the-tailpipe” situations often act on impulse, trust too easily, or assume that everything is exactly as it appears.
Perhaps they’re always the one forwarding those chain emails promising good luck, or they can’t resist clicking on every sensational headline they come across.
Or maybe they’re always falling for that friend’s tall tales, despite the glaring inconsistencies.
Critical thinking involves a healthy dose of skepticism and the ability to discern fact from fiction.
So if you know someone who’s always getting caught by the old banana in the tailpipe, it might be a sign they need to flex their critical thinking muscles a bit more!
7) They lack curiosity
If there’s one thing to remember, it’s this: Critical thinking and curiosity go hand in hand.
Think about someone who rarely questions the world around them.
They accept things as they are, without wondering why or how.
Whether it’s an intriguing news article or a puzzling situation, they show little interest in digging deeper.
This lack of curiosity can be a telling sign of limited critical thinking skills.
After all, asking questions is at the heart of critical thinking.
It’s what drives us to explore different perspectives, challenge assumptions, and strive for a deeper understanding.
So, if you want to spot a true critical thinker, look for the person who’s always asking “why?” or “how?”.
Their curiosity is their strength.
Wrapping up
So, you’ve identified someone who might be lacking in critical thinking skills. The question is, now what?
Firstly, it’s important to remember that we all have our strengths and weaknesses.
Recognizing these signs isn’t about blaming or labeling people. It’s about understanding ourselves and each other better.
It might be tempting to try and ‘fix’ the person who lacks these skills, but remember, change has to come from within.
Instead, try engaging them in thoughtful conversations, introducing them to different perspectives, or simply being a role model of critical thinking.
Lastly, remember that this article isn’t intended to diagnose anyone’s cognitive abilities.
It’s meant as a guide to better understand the nuances of critical thinking and how its absence can manifest in subtle ways.
If you’ve identified some of these signs in someone you know – or even in yourself – know that it’s never too late to enhance our thinking skills.
Ultimately, our aim should be not just to gather information, but to truly understand it – to question, analyze, and form well-informed judgments.
That’s the heart of critical thinking.
