Wishful Thinking…We all do it. In neuroscience it’s called a conformational bias. It is the tendency to search for, interpret, favor, and recall information in a way that confirms one’s preexisting beliefs even when presented evidence and facts to the contrary. The effect is stronger for emotionally charged issues and for deeply entrenched beliefs. Politics & religion, anyone?

I was perusing Facebook when I came upon this great post from an old high school friend. The post was from a The Oatmeal and like all things on the Oatmeal was a comical, yet a very sweet animated explanation of The Backfire Effect.

Seems everyone is on Facebook these days and it’s on Facebook (in the comments) where you often will see the backfire effect. You know the type of post where people go at it; cutting and pasting links as their sources of what they believe is credible and will be some sort of corrective measure to make their case. Minds being changed? As If!

Without getting into it here too much, the bottom-line/gist/thesis of the backfire effect is this:
You think you can change somebody’s mind with a set of facts. The other person simply becomes more emboldened or stronger in his or her belief after presented said facts.

Hence, The Backfire…On You!

 

Now, Go to The Oatmeal.com and Read About The Backfire Effect!

But, please promise me you’ll read it carefully and all the way to the end. It’s a really easy and educational read that lends great perspective. And, don’t forget Greater Perspective = Greater Health!

 

 

 

 

 

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