Given the current situation in our country, it can be described as extremely heated, especially regarding politics (though we are quite familiar with such situations). This is because there are many people in society who hold differing views. If we were to divide them into two main groups, they would be those who 'agree' and those who 'disagree.' For minor issues, it may not be too difficult for people to overcome their differences and engage in constructive dialogue. However, when it comes to larger matters involving a significant number of people who share similar beliefs, it becomes more complex.

Regardless of how different our opinions may be, we must coexist. There are important psychological principles we should understand to help us adapt:

Confirmation Bias and the False Consensus Effect

“Confirmation bias” is a psychological principle that explains why people can have such vastly different opinions, even when they are part of the same society or even the same household.

It starts with the fact that our brains receive a massive amount of information daily, and sometimes this information overload exceeds our brain's capacity to process it effectively. Therefore, our brains selectively filter information that aligns with our pre-existing beliefs while discarding information that contradicts them.

But don’t worry; this isn’t related to intelligence. It’s an automatic function of the brain, distinct from the conscious process of choosing which information to accept or reject. This explains why, even when people receive the same set of information, each person's brain decodes it differently, leading to various interpretations, sometimes even polar opposites, as everyone uses their existing beliefs as a benchmark.

In fact, this characteristic of “confirmation bias” drives us to seek out only the information we are interested in, rather than consuming information that conflicts with our preferences (which requires genuine open-mindedness and the ability to set aside biases). This is similar to how AI systems work; our brains tend to select only the information that aligns with our existing beliefs. For instance, on Facebook, we tend to like or follow only what resonates with our preconceived notions. Even in friendships, we often choose to associate with those who share similar thoughts, behaviors, and traits.

However, whenever a friend’s opinion shifts and no longer aligns with ours, our typical reaction is to distance ourselves, leading to unfriending, unfollowing, and permanently cutting ties.

In simple terms, confirmation bias is the brain's tendency to favor its existing beliefs, trapping us in an “echo chamber” where we only hear our own reflections from all directions, as we are exposed only to familiar beliefs and perspectives from others who think similarly.

This leads to the occurrence of the “false consensus effect,” which is a trap because it makes us believe that “everyone thinks like us and shares our beliefs.” The more we see others who share our views, the more confident we become that our beliefs are the most accurate, leading us to label opposing views as wrong, close-minded, or even foolish, and to develop terms that express hatred.

If we remain confined in our echo chambers, especially on social media, which is a primary source of news in today’s era, we will only absorb information that we agree with, blocking out opposing viewpoints and intensifying our negative feelings towards the other side. This makes it increasingly difficult to engage in calm discussions without conflict.

How Can We Escape the Echo Chamber?

Get to Know the Other Person First

Before labeling anyone (and in reality, we shouldn’t label anyone), we should strive to understand their identity beyond the conflicts at hand. Avoid hating someone you don’t know. Try to learn about their life, family, hobbies, and preferences. However, don’t initiate a debate on differing opinions right away. Instead, look for common ground to foster a connection that allows for open dialogue.

By attempting to understand them, we may uncover the roots of their beliefs. Moreover, by refraining from immediate judgment, we might view them more favorably. If the disagreement isn’t significant, we can overlook minor conflicts in light of their true self, which has positive aspects, rather than generalizing that they are foolish or wrong.

Be Open-Minded, Set Aside Biases, and Don’t Avoid Conversations with Dissenters

This is easier said than done. Once we have a set of beliefs ingrained in our minds, it becomes challenging to accept information that contradicts those beliefs. However, confining ourselves to only the information we agree with is akin to digging our own graves, limiting our understanding to one side and never considering the other.

Even though it’s difficult, we must try to push ourselves. If we can’t start with face-to-face conversations, begin by reading opposing viewpoints. Initially, we may feel frustrated or angry, but we should strive to endure it. At the very least, we should push ourselves to read until the end and then reflect on it. Even if we continue to hold our original beliefs, we will have gained more information, including perspectives we have previously dismissed.

Seek Understanding, Not to Change Minds

Avoiding sensitive discussions with others, especially those with differing beliefs, out of fear of conflict or damaging relationships is merely avoiding the problem. If we don’t open up to conversations, we will never know what the other side’s information is. However, if we can still engage in dialogue, it should be about mutual understanding, not provoking arguments. Use reasoned discussions and ask the other party why they think that way.

Changing someone’s mind is not easy, and we shouldn’t interfere with their beliefs. No matter how much we disagree or how rationally we argue, the only thing we can preserve is friendship. Remember, deep down, both sides will still hold differing opinions and have their own criteria for their beliefs. Importantly, there is no stable criterion to determine who is right or wrong. Therefore, we can only strive to understand without trying to change their thoughts. If they are to change, it will be on their own terms.

Information from Quartz

SOURCE: tonkit360