The Science: Interpretation Bias Modification (CBM-I)

This game is based on Interpretation Bias Modification (CBM-I). This technique targets a cognitive bias common in social anxiety: the tendency to interpret ambiguous social situations in a negative or threatening way (e.g., “They are laughing at me”).

This exercise trains the “reverse” by repeatedly presenting you with ambiguous scenarios and having you actively select the neutral or positive interpretation. This repeated practice can help weaken the automatic negative bias and make more balanced interpretations feel more natural and accessible when you’re in a real social situation.

Who can benefit from this game?

This exercise may be helpful for:

• Individuals who often “jump to the worst conclusion” in social settings.
• People working on social anxiety or fear of negative evaluation.
• Anyone who feels overly self-conscious or “in the spotlight.”

Scientific Effectiveness & References

This is an evidence-informed skills trainer. CBM-I has been widely studied for its potential to reduce anxiety symptoms by retraining these automatic, negative interpretation patterns.

• Mathews, A., & Mackintosh, B. (2000). Induced emotional interpretation bias and anxiety. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 109(4), 602–615.
• Hertel, P. T., & Mathews, A. (2011). Cognitive bias modification: past perspectives and future directions. Current directions in psychological science, 20(4), 235-240.