>[!abstract] >An availability cascade is a social phenomenon in which a belief gains widespread acceptance through repeated public discussion, regardless of its empirical validity. As claims are echoed by media, politicians, or peers, their familiarity makes them seem increasingly plausible, leveraging the cognitive bias of the availability heuristic (judging likelihood by ease of recall). The process can create self-reinforcing cycles where perception substitutes for evidence, driving public opinion, policy, or even moral panics. The concept highlights how information dynamics, rather than truth, often determine what becomes socially "obvious". >[!related] >- **North** (upstream): — >- **West** (similar): [[Overton window]] >- **East** (different): — >- **South** (downstream): [[Abilene paradox]], [[Echo chamber]]