jtssrx Posted June 17, 2019 Share Posted June 17, 2019 Many if not all of you on this site suffer from this What Is Cognitive Dissonance? By Kendra Cherry | Medically reviewed by a board-certified physician | Updated March 13, 2019 The term cognitive dissonance is used to describe the feelings of discomfort that result when your beliefs run counter to your behaviors and/or new information that is presented to you. People tend to seek consistency in their attitudes and perceptions, so when what you hold true is challenged or what you do doesn't jibe with what you think, something must change in order to eliminate or reduce the dissonance (lack of agreement). A classic example of this is "explaining something away." Definition Psychologist Leon Festinger first proposed a theory of cognitive dissonance centered on how people try to reach internal consistency. He suggested that people have an inner need to ensure that their beliefs and behaviors are consistent. Inconsistent or conflicting beliefs lead to disharmony, which people strive to avoid. In his 1957 book, A Theory of Cognitive Dissonance, Festinger explained, "Cognitive dissonance can be seen as an antecedent condition which leads to activity oriented toward dissonance reduction just as hunger leads toward activity oriented toward hunger reduction. It is a very different motivation from what psychologists are used to dealing with but, as we shall see, nonetheless powerful." Influential Factors The degree of dissonance people experience can depend on a few different factors, including how highly they value a particular belief and the degree to which their beliefs are inconsistent. The overall strength of the dissonance can also be influenced by several factors: Cognitions that are more personal, such as beliefs about the self, tend to result in greater dissonance. The importance of the cognitions; things that involve beliefs that are highly valued typically result in stronger dissonance. The ratio between dissonant (clashing) thoughts and consonant (harmonious) thoughts The greater the strength of the dissonance, the more pressure there is to relieve the feelings of discomfort. Cognitive dissonance can often have a powerful influence on our behaviors and actions. Examples Cognitive dissonance can occur in many areas of life, but it is particularly evident in situations where an individual's behavior conflicts with beliefs that are integral to his or her self-identity. A common example of cognitive dissonance occurs in the purchasing decisions we make on a regular basis. Consider a situation in which a man who places a value on being environmentally responsible just purchased a new car that he later discovers does not get great gas mileage. The conflict: It is important for the man to take care of the environment. He is driving a car that is not environmentally friendly. In order to reduce this dissonance between belief and behavior, he can sell the car and purchase another one that gets better gas mileage, or he can reduce his emphasis on environmental responsibility. In the case of the second option, his dissonance could be further minimized by engaging in actions that reduce the impact of driving a gas-guzzling vehicle, such as utilizing public transportation more frequently or riding his bike to work. Most people want to hold the belief that they make good choices. When a purchase turns out badly, it conflicts with their previously-existing belief about their decision-making abilities. In A Theory of Cognitive Dissonance, Festinger offers an example of how an individual might deal with dissonance related to a health behavior by discussing individuals who continue to smoke, even though they know it is bad for their health. According to Festinger, a person might decide that they value smoking more than health, deeming the behavior "worth it" in terms of risks versus rewards. Another way to deal with this dissonance is to minimize the potential drawbacks. The smoker might convince himself that the negative health effects have been overstated. He might also assuage his health concerns by telling himself that he cannot avoid every possible risk out there. Festinger suggested that the smoker might try to convince himself that if he does stop smoking then he will gain weight, which also presents health risks. By using such explanations, the smoker is able to reduce the dissonance and continue the behavior. Common Reactions When there are conflicts between cognitions (thoughts, beliefs, opinions), people will take steps to reduce the dissonance and feelings of discomfort. They can go about doing this a few different ways: Focus on more supportive beliefs that outweigh the dissonant belief or behavior. People who learn that greenhouse emissions result in global warming might experience feelings of dissonance if they drive a gas-guzzling vehicle. In order to reduce this dissonance, they might seek out new information that disputes the connection between greenhouse gasses and global warming. This new information might serve to reduce the discomfort and dissonance that the person experiences. Reduce the importance of the conflicting belief. A man who cares about his health might be disturbed to learn that sitting for long periods of time during the day is linked to a shortened lifespan. Since he has to work all day in an office and spends a great deal of time sitting, it is difficult to change his behavior in order to reduce his feelings of dissonance. In order to deal with the feelings of discomfort, he might instead find some way to justify his behavior by believing that his other healthy behaviors—like eating sensibly and occasionally exercising—make up for his largely sedentary lifestyle. Change the conflicting belief so that it is consistent with other beliefs or behaviors. Changing the conflicting cognition is one of the most effective ways of dealing with dissonance, but it is also one of the most difficult, particularly in the case of deeply held values and beliefs, such as religious or political leanings. A Word From Verywell Cognitive dissonance plays a role in many value judgments, decisions, and evaluations. Becoming aware of how conflicting beliefs impact the decision-making process is a great way to improve your ability to make faster and more accurate choices. Mismatches between your beliefs and your actions can lead to feelings of discomfort (and, sometimes, coping choices that have negative impacts), but such feelings can also sometimes lead to change and growth. For example, if you believe that exercise is important for your health but you rarely make time for physical activity, you may experience cognitive dissonance. This resulting discomfort may lead you to seek relief by increasing the amount of exercise you get each week. In this instance, altering your behavior to increase consistency with your belief and reduce the cognitive dissonance you are experiencing can play a positive role in your life and health. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
f7ben Posted June 17, 2019 Share Posted June 17, 2019 Technology and its use against us provides great dissonance in me. I wish my rights weren't being decimated with tech being the tool but I cant eliminate the devices causing these issues because they have become integral to life as we know it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jtssrx Posted June 17, 2019 Author Share Posted June 17, 2019 (edited) Just now, f7ben said: Technology and its use against us provides great dissonance in me. I wish my rights weren't being decimated with tech being the tool but I cant eliminate the devices causing these issues because they have become integral to life as we know it. I am strongly considering dumping all social media "Twitter, Facebook, and Youtube" you name it. What sucks is I get all my trail reports off facebook and a lot of BBQ stuff. What I notice is I don't use this shit on the weekends and when I read it on Monday I get all pissed off. Edited June 17, 2019 by jtssrx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
f7ben Posted June 17, 2019 Share Posted June 17, 2019 Just now, jtssrx said: I am strongly considering dumping all social media "Twitter, Facebook" you name it. What sucks is I get all my trail reports off facebook and a lot of BBQ stuff. What I notice is I don't use this shit on the weekends and when I read it on Monday I get all pissed off. I think there is great thought exercise in allowing oneself to experience a little dissonance on issues. It helps to practice avoiding viewing complex issues in binary terms. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Platinum Contributing Member Jimmy Snacks Posted June 17, 2019 Platinum Contributing Member Share Posted June 17, 2019 8 minutes ago, jtssrx said: I am strongly considering dumping all social media "Twitter, Facebook, and Youtube" you name it. What sucks is I get all my trail reports off facebook and a lot of BBQ stuff. What I notice is I don't use this shit on the weekends and when I read it on Monday I get all pissed off. If you are getting all pissed off reading Twitter maybe you have bigger issues. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jtssrx Posted June 17, 2019 Author Share Posted June 17, 2019 Just now, Jimmy Snacks said: If you are getting all pissed off reading Twitter maybe you have bigger issues. Maybe lol but you get all pissed off on this site on a daily basis so maybe you should look in the mirror? 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete Posted June 17, 2019 Share Posted June 17, 2019 11 minutes ago, jtssrx said: I am strongly considering dumping all social media "Twitter, Facebook, and Youtube" you name it. What sucks is I get all my trail reports off facebook and a lot of BBQ stuff. What I notice is I don't use this shit on the weekends and when I read it on Monday I get all pissed off. I watch youtube ( for racing) and I come here to FSCE. that's all for my social media involvement. Never had a FB account or twiiter. fuck that shit 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
f7ben Posted June 17, 2019 Share Posted June 17, 2019 2 minutes ago, Pete said: I watch youtube ( for racing) and I come here to FSCE. that's all for my social media involvement. Never had a FB account or twiiter. fuck that shit X2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SSFB Posted June 17, 2019 Share Posted June 17, 2019 It’s all whatever you make of it, just like this site. You can get pissed off and dragged down into the sewers with the retards or you can not. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zambroski Posted June 17, 2019 Share Posted June 17, 2019 Just now, SSFB said: It’s all whatever you make of it, just like this site. You can get pissed off and dragged down into the sewers with the retards or you can not. The sewers are where the best fights are held!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
f7ben Posted June 17, 2019 Share Posted June 17, 2019 Just now, Zambroski said: The sewers are where the best fights are held!!! My boot on your throat ain't really a fight xammykins..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Platinum Contributing Member Jimmy Snacks Posted June 17, 2019 Platinum Contributing Member Share Posted June 17, 2019 20 minutes ago, jtssrx said: Maybe lol but you get all pissed off on this site on a daily basis so maybe you should look in the mirror? Yeah that is the perception along with a few other falsehoods about me...you go with those...I’m all good here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zambroski Posted June 17, 2019 Share Posted June 17, 2019 Just now, f7ben said: My boot on your throat ain't really a fight xammykins..... That's not me you retard!!!! I'm the one having a nice rat steak in the corner by the drain. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ArcticCrusher Posted June 17, 2019 Share Posted June 17, 2019 34 minutes ago, Jimmy Snacks said: If you are getting all pissed off reading Twitter maybe you have bigger issues. Or from a sled site. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Platinum Contributing Member steve from amherst Posted June 17, 2019 Platinum Contributing Member Share Posted June 17, 2019 2 hours ago, jtssrx said: I am strongly considering dumping all social media "Twitter, Facebook, and Youtube" you name it. What sucks is I get all my trail reports off facebook and a lot of BBQ stuff. What I notice is I don't use this shit on the weekends and when I read it on Monday I get all pissed off. You do realize this site is also social media , right? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snake Posted June 17, 2019 Share Posted June 17, 2019 2 hours ago, f7ben said: My boot on your throat ain't really a fight xammykins..... You're boot on anyone's throat ain't a fight. It's a fantasy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
f7ben Posted June 17, 2019 Share Posted June 17, 2019 1 minute ago, Snake said: You're boot on anyone's throat ain't a fight. It's a fantasy. Says the Peacetime hardass Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snake Posted June 17, 2019 Share Posted June 17, 2019 16 minutes ago, f7ben said: Says the Peacetime hardass Says the NOtime talker. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
f7ben Posted June 17, 2019 Share Posted June 17, 2019 15 minutes ago, Snake said: Says the NOtime talker. I was ready and waiting....just never called to duty Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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