Why Facts Don’t Change Our Minds

 

Facts alone may not always change our minds for several reasons:

Confirmation bias:

People tend to seek out information that confirms their existing beliefs and ignore or discount information that contradicts them. We have a natural inclination to protect our existing beliefs and filter out information that challenges them.

Cognitive dissonance:

When presented with facts that contradict our beliefs, we may experience cognitive dissonance, which is the discomfort that arises from holding conflicting ideas simultaneously. To reduce this discomfort, people may reject or rationalize the new information rather than changing their beliefs.

Emotional reasoning:

Our beliefs and opinions are often influenced by emotions rather than rationality. Emotions can strongly shape our perceptions and judgments, leading us to prioritize emotional coherence over factual accuracy.

Social influences:

Our beliefs are often shaped by the communities and social groups we belong to. We tend to adopt the beliefs of those around us, seeking social validation and acceptance. Consequently, even in the face of contradicting facts, the influence of our social circles can make it difficult to change our minds.


Identity protection:

Our beliefs are often deeply intertwined with our sense of identity. When our beliefs are challenged, it can feel like a personal attack, leading us to defend our beliefs even more strongly. Changing our minds may require us to question our identity, which can be psychologically uncomfortable.