We prefer to skew the facts rather than change our mind about something cognitive dissonance occurs when facts counter something we believe and we often avoid information that can cause cognitive dissonance

We Prefer to Skew the Facts: Cognitive Dissonance and our Resistance to Changing Our Minds

Introduction

Cognitive dissonance is a psychological phenomenon that occurs when our beliefs or attitudes clash with new information or facts. Instead of confronting this discomfort head-on, we often have a tendency to skew the facts or avoid information that could potentially cause cognitive dissonance. In this article, we will delve deeper into cognitive dissonance, its impact on our decision-making process, and why we tend to resist changing our minds in the face of contradictory evidence.

What is Cognitive Dissonance?

According to Psychology Today, cognitive dissonance refers to the mental discomfort or tension that arises when we have two conflicting beliefs, attitudes, or values. As human beings, we naturally strive for consistency and harmony in our thoughts and actions. When our existing beliefs are challenged by new information or facts, we experience cognitive dissonance.

The Tendency to Skew Facts

Facing cognitive dissonance can be emotionally uncomfortable, as it challenges our deeply held beliefs or attitudes. To alleviate this discomfort, we often resort to skewing the facts to fit our preexisting beliefs. Instead of critically evaluating new information, we may choose to interpret it in a way that supports our existing views. This behavior allows us to maintain our psychological equilibrium, even if it means distorting reality.

Avoiding Information that Creates Cognitive Dissonance

Another common strategy for dealing with cognitive dissonance is to avoid information that contradicts our existing beliefs. This tendency is known as confirmation bias, where we actively seek out information that confirms our preconceived notions while ignoring or dismissing evidence that challenges them. By doing so, we protect ourselves from the discomfort of cognitive dissonance and maintain our current beliefs.

Impact on Decision-Making

Cognitive dissonance and our resistance to changing our minds can significantly influence our decision-making process. When faced with conflicting information, we may selectively filter out evidence that goes against our established beliefs, leading to biased decision-making. This can hinder our ability to objectively evaluate situations, consider alternative perspectives, and make informed choices.

Overcoming Cognitive Dissonance

While cognitive dissonance is a natural psychological response, it is essential to recognize its influence on our decision-making and attempt to overcome it. Acknowledging that our beliefs are not infallible and being open to new information can help challenge cognitive dissonance. Engaging in critical thinking, seeking diverse perspectives, and actively confronting contradictory evidence are effective strategies to reduce cognitive dissonance and facilitate intellectual growth.

Conclusion

In conclusion, cognitive dissonance occurs when facts counter something we believe, and our natural response is to skew the facts or avoid information that creates discomfort. This behavior undermines our objectivity in decision-making and hinders personal growth. By understanding cognitive dissonance and actively challenging our beliefs, we can strive for a more open-minded and evidence-based approach to life.