False Causality

We automatically infer causal relationships from correlations — even when the relationship is coincidental, reversed, or explained by a third factor.

• Countries with more storks per capita have higher birth rates — storks don't cause births; both correlate with rural population density.
• Countries with more TV sets per capita have longer life expectancy — TVs don't cause longevity; both correlate with national wealth.
• Ice cream sales and drowning deaths both peak in summer — ice cream doesn't cause drowning; both are caused by warm weather.