Cognitive dissonance is the mental discomfort we experience when we have two or more conflicting beliefs or attitudes at the same time.
This feeling pushes us to solve the conflict, usually by sticking to one belief and letting go of the other.
Why do our brains crave consistency? Because it shapes our identity and helps us navigate the complexities of the world.
Changing our beliefs or attitudes can be tough, especially if they are deeply ingrained. That's why we often stick to our existing beliefs and avoid situations or information that could create dissonance.
Leon Festinger, the psychologist who first studied cognitive dissonance, explains three reasons why we might not want to change our beliefs or actions when faced with clashing information:
Cognitive dissonance can happen in different situations:
📹 Learn what the Confirmation Bias is in 5 minutes (video).
It's natural to have your own beliefs and opinions on a variety of subjects, like your favorite sports team or political views. Sharing them is part of human interaction. These opinions reflect your current perspective, based on your experiences and knowledge.
However, sticking to these beliefs stubbornly can limit your growth. Your brain follows patterns, so it's easy to fall into a fixed mindset. But, remember that your brain is capable of learning new information and adapting your perspectives.
As you encounter different people and learn about their experiences, you'll be exposed to a variety of viewpoints. This new information should prompt you to revisit and reevaluate your opinions.
It's not about admitting you were wrong; it's about evolving with the information you've gained. Changing your mind is a sign of growth, not weakness. Societal pressure might make you feel like you need to be consistent, but it's essential to be open to change.
Your opinions might remain the same after evaluating new information, and that's okay too. The important thing is that you've considered it, rather than ignoring it. Remember, you're constantly evolving – you're not the same person you were years, or even days, ago.
Change is the only constant. Be true to yourself, trust your intuition, and always question your beliefs and opinions.
Although it's impossible to completely avoid the discomfort caused by cognitive dissonance, we can change how we respond to it, aiming for healthier outcomes. Here are some effective strategies to help you deal with cognitive dissonance:
Embrace the guilt: Guilt is your body's way of signaling cognitive dissonance. Instead of ignoring it, use it as a cue to step back, re-evaluate your situation, and make more thoughtful decisions.
Get to know your brain: Understand how your mind works to distance itself from immoral actions.
Engage your critical thinking: When encountering content that contradicts your beliefs, try to move past emotional reactions and analyze the information critically. Ask yourself what you know, how you know it, and what you don't know.
Connect with those you disagree with: Engage openly with people who hold different perspectives. Be open to new information that might change your point of view.
Bypass confirmation bias: Avoid seeking out information that only confirms your existing beliefs. Break free from your social media filter bubble.
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