jtssrx Posted December 2, 2020 Share Posted December 2, 2020 (edited) I used to be this way. Defending a belief system. One of the worst on this site is Snowrider. Edited December 2, 2020 by jtssrx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frenchy Posted December 2, 2020 Share Posted December 2, 2020 'cognitive dissidents' 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Platinum Contributing Member SnowRider Posted December 2, 2020 Platinum Contributing Member Share Posted December 2, 2020 OP is brain dead Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Platinum Contributing Member SnowRider Posted December 2, 2020 Platinum Contributing Member Share Posted December 2, 2020 See dumb ass had to edit his title Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frenchy Posted December 2, 2020 Share Posted December 2, 2020 (edited) The Psychology Behind Donald Trump's Unwavering Support Research explains why Donald Trump maintains support despite shocking behavior. Posted Sep 13, 2016 There’s no doubt that Donald Trump has said many things that would have been political suicide for any other Republican candidate. And almost every time he made one of these shocking statements, political analysts on both the left and the right predicted that he’d lose supporters because of it. But as we have clearly seen over the past year, they were dead wrong every time. Trump appears to be almost totally bulletproof. The only thing that might be more perplexing than the psychology of Donald Trump is the psychology of his supporters. In their eyes, The Donald can do no wrong. Even Trump himself seems to be astonished by this phenomenon. "I could stand in the middle of Fifth Avenue and shoot somebody, and I wouldn't lose any voters, OK? It's, like, incredible." Senator John McCain, who has been a regular target for Trump during his campaign, has a simple explanation for his unwavering support. “What he did was he fired up the crazies.” Whatever you may think about this statement, it's certainly not a satisfying scientific explanation. So how exactly are Trump loyalists psychologically or neurologically different from everyone else? What is going on in their brains that makes them so blindly devoted? 1. The Dunning-Kruger Effect Some believe that many of those who support Donald Trump do so because of ignorance — basically they are under-informed or misinformed about the issues at hand. When Trump tells them that crime is skyrocketing in the United States, or that the economy is the worst it’s ever been, they take his word for it. The seemingly obvious solution would be to try to reach those people through political ads, expert opinions, and logical arguments that educate with facts. Except none of those things seem to be swaying any Trump supporters from his side, despite great efforts to deliver this information to them directly. The Dunning-Kruger effect explains that the problem isn’t just that they are misinformed; it’s that they are completely unaware that they are misinformed. This creates a double burden. Studies have shown that people who lack expertise in some area of knowledge often have a cognitive bias that prevents them from realizing that they lack expertise. As psychologist David Dunning wrote in an op-ed for Politico, “The knowledge and intelligence that are required to be good at a task are often the same qualities needed to recognize that one is not good at that task — and if one lacks such knowledge and intelligence, one remains ignorant that one is not good at the task. This includes political judgment.” Essentially, they’re not smart enough to realize they’re dumb. And if one is under the illusion that they have sufficient or even superior knowledge, then they have no reason to defer to anyone else’s judgment. This helps explain why even nonpartisan experts — like military generals and Independent former Mayor of New York/billionaire CEO Michael Bloomberg — as well as some respected Republican politicians, don’t seem to be able to say anything that can change the minds of loyal Trump followers. 2. Hypersensitivity to Threat Science has unequivocally shown that the conservative brain has an exaggerated fear response when faced with stimuli that may be perceived as threatening. A 2008 study in the journal Science found that conservatives have a stronger physiological reaction to startling noises and graphic images compared to liberals. A brain-imaging study published in Current Biology revealed that those who lean right politically tend to have a larger amygdala — a structure that is electrically active during states of fear and anxiety. And a 2014 fMRI study found that it is possible to predict whether someone is a liberal or conservative simply by looking at their brain activity while they view threatening or disgusting images, such as mutilated bodies. Specifically, the brains of self-identified conservatives generated more activity overall in response to the disturbing images. So how does this help explain the unbridled loyalty of Trump supporters? These brain responses are automatic, and not influenced by logic or reason. As long as Trump continues his fear mongering by constantly portraying Muslims and Mexican immigrants as imminent dangers, many conservative brains will involuntarily light up like light bulbs being controlled by a switch. Fear keeps his followers energized and focused on safety. And when you think you’ve found your protector, you become less concerned with remarks that would normally be seen as highly offensive. 3. Terror Management Theory A well-supported theory from social psychology, called Terror Management Theory, explains why Trump’s fear mongering is doubly effective. The theory is based on the fact that humans have a unique awareness of their own mortality. The inevitably of one’s death creates existential terror and anxiety that is always residing below the surface. In order to manage this terror, humans adopt cultural worldviews — like religions, political ideologies, and national identities — that act as a buffer by instilling life with meaning and value. Terror Management Theory predicts that when people are reminded of their own mortality, which happens with fear mongering, they will more strongly defend those who share their worldviews and national or ethnic identity, and act out more aggressively towards those who do not. Hundreds of studies have confirmed this hypothesis, and some have specifically shown that triggering thoughts of death tends to shift people towards the right. Not only do death reminders increase nationalism, they influence actual voting habits in favor of more conservative presidential candidates. And more disturbingly, in a study with American students, scientists found that making mortality salient increased support for extreme military interventions by American forces that could kill thousands of civilians overseas. Interestingly, the effect was present only in conservatives, which can likely be attributed to their heightened fear response. By constantly emphasizing existential threat, Trump creates a psychological condition that makes the brain respond positively rather than negatively to bigoted statements and divisive rhetoric. Liberals and Independents who have been puzzled over why Trump hasn’t lost supporters after such highly offensive comments need look no further than Terror Management Theory. 4. High Attentional Engagement According to a recent study that monitored brain activity while participants watched 40 minutes of political ads and debate clips from the presidential candidates, Donald Trump is unique in his ability to keep the brain engaged. While Hillary Clinton could only hold attention for so long, Trump kept both attention and emotional arousal high throughout the viewing session. This pattern of activity was seen even when Trump made remarks that individuals didn’t necessarily agree with. His showmanship and simple messages clearly resonate at a visceral level. Essentially, the loyalty of Trump supporters may in part be explained by America’s addiction with entertainment and reality TV. To some, it doesn’t matter what Trump actually says because he’s so amusing to watch. With Donald, you are always left wondering what outrageous thing he is going to say or do next. He keeps us on the edge of our seat, and for that reason, some Trump supporters will forgive anything he says. They are happy as long as they are kept entertained. Of course these explanations do not apply to all Trump supporters. In fact, some may support Trump to be rebellious or to introduce chaos into the system. They may have such distaste for the establishment and Hillary Clinton that their vote for Trump is a symbolic middle finger directed at Washington. So what can we do to potentially change the minds of Trump loyalists before voting day in November? As a cognitive neuroscientist, it grieves me to say that there may be nothing we can do. The overwhelming majority of these people may be beyond reach, at least in the short term. The best we can do is to motivate everyone else to get out to the voting booths. https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/mind-in-the-machine/201609/the-psychology-behind-donald-trumps-unwavering-support Edited December 2, 2020 by frenchy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Platinum Contributing Member Jimmy Snacks Posted December 2, 2020 Platinum Contributing Member Share Posted December 2, 2020 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Platinum Contributing Member SnowRider Posted December 2, 2020 Platinum Contributing Member Share Posted December 2, 2020 MAGA’s Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frenchy Posted December 2, 2020 Share Posted December 2, 2020 Just now, SnowRider said: MAGA’s they basically vote for trump because they are stupid snowflakes 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DriftBusta Posted December 2, 2020 Share Posted December 2, 2020 2 minutes ago, frenchy said: they basically vote for trump because they are stupid snowflakes Yes and our government isn't corrupt and the media is honest. Good thing we have the Canadians to keep us informed and let us know if we are thinking ok! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frenchy Posted December 2, 2020 Share Posted December 2, 2020 Just now, DriftBusta said: Yes and our government isn't corrupt and the media is honest. Good thing we have the Canadians to keep us informed and let us know if we are thinking ok! I live to give! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Platinum Contributing Member SnowRider Posted December 2, 2020 Platinum Contributing Member Share Posted December 2, 2020 @frenchy 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jtssrx Posted December 2, 2020 Author Share Posted December 2, 2020 39 minutes ago, frenchy said: 'cognitive dissidents' I corrected it. Again text to speech. 17 minutes ago, SnowRider said: @frenchy Thank you for proving my point. This thread has nothing to do with Trump. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Posted December 2, 2020 Share Posted December 2, 2020 47 minutes ago, Jimmy Snacks said: Damn. Beat me to it 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Posted December 2, 2020 Share Posted December 2, 2020 (edited) 51 minutes ago, frenchy said: they basically vote for trump because they are stupid snowflakes If Coronavirus has shown us anything, it's how stupid the average adult is in western society. And yes, these people vote... In large numbers... On both sides. That said, I know many many Trump voters who pulled the lever despite his obvious and over the top flaws and without needing much dissonance on their side. Why? Well... When the other guy is saying he thinks it's a good idea to let 8 year olds gender transition, it's a pretty easy choice. Edited December 2, 2020 by Matt 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anler Posted December 2, 2020 Share Posted December 2, 2020 Idiot is diagnosing people with shit he himself doesnt understand. WTF? LOL 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anler Posted December 2, 2020 Share Posted December 2, 2020 1 minute ago, Matt said: If Coronavirus has shown us anything, it's how stupid the average adult is in western society. And yes, these people vote... In large numbers... On both sides. That said, I know many many Trump voters who pulled the lever despite his obvious and over the top flaws and without needing much dissonance on their side. Why? Well... When the other guy is saying he thinks it's a good idea to let 8 year olds gender transition, it's a pretty easy choice. I have been on these forums for like 12 years saying that 80% of Americans are fucking morons and it would get people all salty. Well look who was right... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
irv Posted December 2, 2020 Share Posted December 2, 2020 Republicans Report Much Better Mental Health Than Democrats. https://news.gallup.com/poll/102943/republicans-report-much-better-mental-health-than-others.aspx Study: Many Democrats Exaggerated Mental Distress After 2016 Election. https://www.studyfinds.org/many-democrats-exaggerated-mental-distress-after-2016-election/ What Your Politics Say About Your Mental Health https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/annanorth/what-your-politics-say-about-your-mental-health Mental illness and the left. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/339541044_Mental_illness_and_the_left A recent paper provides evidence that people with conservative political attitudes tend to have better health than their liberal counterparts because of the former place greater value on personal responsibility (Chan, 2019). This may also be a reflection of higher conscientiousness among conservatives. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/unique-everybody-else/201902/are-conservatives-healthier-liberals Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jtssrx Posted December 2, 2020 Author Share Posted December 2, 2020 Just now, Anler said: Idiot is diagnosing people with shit he himself doesnt understand. WTF? LOL I 100% understand what it is. You guys think I'm some big Trump Supporter. I'm not, what I haven't supported is the witch hunts being used to shape people's opinions IE "Cognitive dissonance". I've never bought into the MAGA bullshit. I've never gone to a trump rally I've never sent a dollar to his or any Campaign. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mainecat Posted December 2, 2020 Share Posted December 2, 2020 Trump is Jim Jones. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Angry ginger Posted December 2, 2020 Share Posted December 2, 2020 12 minutes ago, Matt said: If Coronavirus has shown us anything, it's how stupid the average adult is in western society. And yes, these people vote... In large numbers... On both sides. That said, I know many many Trump voters who pulled the lever despite his obvious and over the top flaws and without needing much dissonance on their side. Why? Well... When the other guy is saying he thinks it's a good idea to let 8 year olds gender transition, it's a pretty easy choice. Fencerider 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anler Posted December 2, 2020 Share Posted December 2, 2020 5 minutes ago, jtssrx said: I 100% understand what it is. You guys think I'm some big Trump Supporter. I'm not, what I haven't supported is the witch hunts being used to shape people's opinions IE "Cognitive dissonance". I've never bought into the MAGA bullshit. I've never gone to a trump rally I've never sent a dollar to his or any Campaign. Well this is where being a thoughtful, intelligent and articulate leader comes in handy. Triggering the libs was not an effective long term strategy. People are looking really stupid now and unfortunately it is an accurate snapshot of the mental capacity of many Americans. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jtssrx Posted December 2, 2020 Author Share Posted December 2, 2020 15 minutes ago, Anler said: Well this is where being a thoughtful, intelligent and articulate leader comes in handy. Triggering the libs was not an effective long term strategy. People are looking really stupid now and unfortunately it is an accurate snapshot of the mental capacity of many Americans. This was all a scam. The entire MAGA movement and now that Biden movement. The only problem they have is too many people bought into MAGA. I'm not 100% sure if trump was controlled opposition or if he's 100% in on this election thing. But what I do know is people are completely brainwashed by the illusion of a choice. Look at the Obama policy verse the Bush policies. They are 100% the same. Biden is building a Cabinet that is filled with the same Obama/Bush hacks. When we go right back to the Wars in the middle east will MC or Snowrider be angry "NO" They will completely defend it. Go back and look at my posts on Trump when it looked like we were going to war in Syria. I went nuts. Thankfully that didn't happen. Look at my posts on Trump spending like crazy. This is exactly why I didn't vote for the guy. I wanted Rand Paul becuase I thought he would address spending. I have no illusions that these people will do anything that is good for the world or the American people Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anler Posted December 2, 2020 Share Posted December 2, 2020 8 minutes ago, jtssrx said: This was all a scam. The entire MAGA movement and now that Biden movement. The only problem they have is too many people bought into MAGA. I'm not 100% sure if trump was controlled opposition or if he's 100% in on this election thing. But what I do know is people are completely brainwashed by the illusion of a choice. Look at the Obama policy verse the Bush policies. They are 100% the same. Biden is building a Cabinet that is filled with the same Obama/Bush hacks. When we go right back to the Wars in the middle east will MC or Snowrider be angry "NO" They will completely defend it. Go back and look at my posts on Trump when it looked like we were going to war in Syria. I went nuts. Thankfully that didn't happen. Look at my posts on Trump spending like crazy. This is exactly why I didn't vote for the guy. I wanted Rand Paul becuase I thought he would address spending. I have no illusions that these people will do anything that is good for the world or the American people Thats why I dont vote for these cocksuckers. You arent electing a candidate you are electing a party and both parties are the same. the candidates say what they think you want to hear but will just do the parties bidding in the end. Why do you think none of these wars are ending after 20 years and 2 presidents saying they were going to end them? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jtssrx Posted December 2, 2020 Author Share Posted December 2, 2020 Just now, Anler said: Thats why I dont vote for these cocksuckers. You arent electing a candidate you are electing a party and both parties are the same. the candidates say what they think you want to hear but will just do the parties bidding in the end. Why do you think none of these wars are ending after 20 years and 2 presidents saying they were going to end them? I'm not voting ever again. These guys aren't elected they are selected. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spin_dry Posted December 2, 2020 Share Posted December 2, 2020 I’m not sure if anyone here would accept in their own children the type of behavior trump puts on display every day. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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