Cognitive dissonance is a psychological phenomenon that occurs when a person holds contradictory beliefs, attitudes, or values, or when their actions are inconsistent with their beliefs or attitudes. When this happens, it creates a feeling of discomfort or tension, known as cognitive dissonance.

Ideas that question/challenge/attack our longest standing mental constructs will cause some level of cognitive dissonance. 

Sometimes these challenges are beneficial to growth, and are a necessary part of the universal system of growth. Therefore, developing a way to manage and judge their merit is paramount to mental survival. (e.g. personal code, religion, construct, moral compass etc.)

People naturally seek consistency in their beliefs and attitudes, so when they encounter contradictory information or behaviors, they experience discomfort. This discomfort motivates them to either change their beliefs or attitudes, justify their behavior, or seek out information that supports their existing beliefs.

Cognitive dissonance theory, proposed by psychologist Leon Festinger in the 1950s, suggests that people have a motivational drive to reduce this dissonance and restore consistency in their thoughts and actions. See Plato’s Cave

Please watch these two videos on the term : Cognitive Dissonance

These videos were selected from publicly available YouTube videos. If this term is new to you or you would like to learn more, we encourage you to explore this concept further.