Cognitive Dissonance, Are You Being Manipulated?

The Real Estate Espresso Podcast

Cognitive Dissonance, Are You Being Manipulated?

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Are You Being Manipulated? An Insight Into Cognitive Dissonance

Welcome to the Real Estate Espresso podcast, your morning shot of what’s new in the world of real estate investing. I’m your host, Victor Menasce, and today, we will delve deep into an intriguing psychological concept commonly used in politics and media to manipulate people: cognitive dissonance.

The Backdrop of Cognitive Dissonance

Cognitive dissonance, a term coined in the 1950’s by psychologist Leon Festinger, is the uncomfortable feeling we get when our actions, thoughts or behaviors are in direct contradiction to our beliefs or values. We, as humans, strive for internal consistency to function mentally in the real world. When we face any form of inconsistency, we are unconsciously pushed to amend or alter our perception to reduce discomfort.

The Five Types of Cognitive Dissonance

There are five primary types of cognitive dissonance: post-decisional dissonance, dissonance from wanting something we can’t have, dissonance due to inconsistency between belief and behavior, dissonance due to inadequate justification, and finally, dissonance due to inconsistency between commitment and information. Understanding these can enable us to recognize cognitive dissonance in ourselves and others, and help us navigate manipulative tactics employed in many aspects of society, especially politics and media.

Type of Cognitive Dissonance	Description
Post-decisional dissonance	Occurs after making a decision that contradicts prior beliefs
Dissonance from wanting something we can’t have	Desiring something unattainable and resolving dissonance by denying the want
Dissonance due to inconsistency between belief and behavior	Happens when actions contradict beliefs
Dissonance due to inadequate justification	Occurs when justification for behavior or thoughts lacks credibility
Dissonance due to inconsistency between commitment and information	Occurs when new information contradicts a previously made commitment

The Manipulation Quagmire

The media and politicians employ these tactics to manipulate the public. Arguments are framed as a battle between good and evil, and a narrative that polarizes opinion is created. The objective is to promote cognitive dissonance and then provide a simplified, reductionist resolution to ease the discomfort. This strategy compels the public to align with either of the presented options, often failing to consider more nuanced alternatives that may not be so straightforward.

How to Navigate Cognitive Dissonance

As we experience intense political activities worldwide and within the U.S., it is crucial to develop a discerning eye and learn to distinguish genuine assistance from manipulative tactics. Recognize when you experience cognitive dissonance and identify if the resolution presented aligns with your beliefs or core identity. Remember, facts should inform opinions but beliefs are deep-rooted and shouldn’t be altered by manipulative tactics.

Conclusion

Recognizing and managing cognitive dissonance is a powerful skill to have, especially in today’s polarised world. So, make it a point to understand the implications, spot manipulations, and stand your ground in the face of persuasive arguments. Having a clear understanding of your beliefs and values will help you make informed decisions and stay true to your core identity amidst the chaos. Have an awesome rest of your day. Go make some great things happen. We’ll talk again tomorrow.

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