Article Summary –
Psychologist Leon Festinger’s work on “cognitive dissonance” explains why people cling fiercely to their beliefs even when confronted with contradictory evidence. Festinger’s laboratory experiments demonstrated that people often edit their view of reality to align with their convictions or interpret failed predictions in ways that justify their original beliefs, as seen with the Chicago-based UFO cult, the Seekers, who predicted world’s end in 1954. Festinger’s theory is relevant today as it explains the persistence of polarizing beliefs in a politically divided society.
Understanding Cognitive Dissonance and Unyielding Convictions
Leon Festinger, a psychologist, proposed in 1956 that a person with a conviction, when confronted with facts or logical arguments that contradict their viewpoint, will either revise their belief or adjust their reality to match their belief. This phenomenon, known as cognitive dissonance, explains why individuals might ignore advice to quit smoking or why political biases influence our news consumption and social circles.
When Prophecies Fail
Festinger used a UFO cult, the Seekers, as a natural experiment to explore cognitive dissonance. When their end-of-world prediction for December 21, 1954, failed, the members reacted differently. Less committed members either left or adapted their belief system, while the most zealous kept their conviction intact, insisting that their belief was valid if everyone believed in it.
Historical Relevance of Cognitive Dissonance
Historical examples of messianic movements that survived despite their unfulfilled prophecies are numerous. From Christian sect Montanism in the Second century to Jewish mystic Sabbatai Zevi predicting the coming of the Messiah in the 17th century, both had followers who adjusted their beliefs even when the prophecies did not materialize.
The Seekers and the Power of Belief
The Seekers, led by Dorothy Martin, believed in communication with otherworldly entities and expected an apocalyptic event in 1954. While waiting for a flying saucer to rescue them, they experienced multiple disappointments but remained steadfast in their beliefs. Their inability to question the prophecy despite its failure is a classic example of cognitive dissonance.
The Psychology of Beliefs and Modern Politics
Cognitive dissonance does not explain why strange beliefs originate but provides insight into why they persist. This phenomenon is relevant in today’s polarized political culture, where the desire to deny and distort conflicting information has become a significant psychological factor in the formation and maintenance of beliefs.
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