Frequency illusion
Also known as Baader-Meinhof Phenomenon
After noticing something for the first time, we start seeing it everywhere and assume it has become more common. Usually our attention has simply become tuned to it. It is also called the Baader-Meinhof phenomenon.
The term was coined by a linguist for an everyday experience and has rarely been tested directly; it is usually explained by well-studied processes such as selective attention.
In everyday life
After buying a red car, a driver suddenly sees red cars in every parking lot and thinks they have become popular.
Soon after your sister announces she's pregnant, you seem to see pregnant women and strollers on every street and wonder whether there's a baby boom in your town.
Why your mind does this
We take in far more than we can handle, so the brain uses what is already active in memory as a filter. Things we met recently, often, or with strong feeling are likely to matter again, so pushing them forward saves time and effort.
Its family, in 30 seconds: Primed & repeated
How to spot it
When something suddenly seems to be everywhere, ask whether it has become more common or whether you just started noticing it.
How to counter it
Check a real count or trend before concluding that something has become more frequent.
Same family: Primed & repeated
SourceWikipedia