A stereotype is a generalized and often oversimplified belief or expectation about a particular category or group of people. It involves assuming that all members of that group share certain characteristics, traits, or behaviors, regardless of individual differences

. Stereotypes serve as mental shortcuts that help people process information quickly by categorizing others based on prior knowledge or societal cues. However, they tend to be overgeneralized, inaccurate, and resistant to change, which can lead to unfair judgments and discrimination

. Stereotypes can be:

• Explicit: Conscious beliefs that people are aware of and may use knowingly when judging others

• Implicit: Subconscious beliefs that influence attitudes and behaviors without conscious awareness

They can be positive, neutral, or negative, but negative stereotypes are more common and often have harmful effects, such as limiting individuals' opportunities, reinforcing prejudices, and creating social divisions

. Common examples include assumptions based on age, gender, race, occupation, or appearance. For instance, stereotypes might suggest that all members of a group behave in a certain way or possess particular abilities, which is rarely true for every individual

. In summary, stereotypes are simplified and fixed ideas about groups of people that influence how we perceive, interact with, and treat others, often leading to unfair and biased outcomes