The Baader-Meinhof Phenomenon is the phenomenon that occurs when the first time you hear about a concept, a word, or an idea. Then it seems to appear everywhere. But the truth is that it appears everywhere because it is occupying your mind.

The History of the Baader-Meinhof Phenomenon

The Baader-Meinhof phenomenon is named after a left-wing militant group active in Germany in the 1970s. Terry Mullen, who coined the phenomenon, was talking to a friend about this group. Then the friend saw an article about the same group the next day. When he brought it to Terry’s attention, he started using the term to describe the phenomenon.

Examples of the Baader-Meinhof Phenomenon

• When you first learn an unfamiliar word and start hearing it everywhere. Next time you learn an unfamiliar word, you will notice that word is everywhere.
• You’re reading an article about an upcoming movie. Then everywhere you turn, people around your office are talking about that movie.
• You learned about a city in China that has one of the longest names in history (Llanfairpwllgwyngyll). Then you find it on your Twitter feed twice in one week.

Why Does This Phenomenon Occur?

It is related to how humans encode memories. We tend to use general knowledge and details pertinent to the specific situation. There is only so much our brain can take in at once. So if your brain has processed something once (like the name of the Chinese city). There is then are strong chance of noticing that thing again more often than what would be probable.