Cognitive
dissonance is an uncomfortable feeling caused by holding two contradictory
ideas simultaneously.
The "ideas" or "cognitions" in
question may include attitudes and beliefs, and also the awareness of one's
behavior. The theory of cognitive dissonance proposes that people have a
motivational drive to reduce dissonance by changing their attitudes, beliefs,
and behaviors, or by justifying or rationalizing their attitudes, beliefs, and
behaviors.[1] Cognitive dissonance theory is one of the most influential and
extensively studied theories in social psychology.
Dissonance normally occurs when a person perceives a
logical inconsistency among his or her cognitions.
Cognitive dissonance is an uncomfortable feeling caused
by holding two contradictory ideas simultaneously. The "ideas" or
"cognitions" in question may include attitudes and beliefs, and also
the awareness of one's behavior. The theory of cognitive dissonance proposes
that people have a motivational drive to reduce dissonance by changing their
attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors, or by justifying or rationalizing their
attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors.
Cognitive dissonance theory is one of the most
influential and extensively studied theories in social psychology.
Dissonance normally occurs when a person perceives a
logical inconsistency among his or her cognitions.
We should not believe that Cognitive Dissonance is an
uncommon phenomenon. On the contrary, the mass of information-disinformation
and misinformation makes the C.D. inevitable in many cases.
What should we do about it? We should be aware of the
works of our Mind.
A rational approach to the information we receive is a
must for those who want to eliminate this uncomfortable feeling caused by
holding two or more contradictory ideas simultaneously.
