In a study of people with strong political opinions,
those who were angry chose to read more articles that disagreed with their positions, instead
of practising confirmation bias, the common tendency to seek out information that supports
what we already believe to be true. After exploring these contrary views, they were more
willing to change their minds. It seems that anger produces a ‘nail the opposition’ mentality
that encourages us to explore what the other guy has to say in order to tear it apart, ironically
leaving the door open to being persuaded.
those who were angry chose to read more articles that disagreed with their positions, instead
of practising confirmation bias, the common tendency to seek out information that supports
what we already believe to be true. After exploring these contrary views, they were more
willing to change their minds. It seems that anger produces a ‘nail the opposition’ mentality
that encourages us to explore what the other guy has to say in order to tear it apart, ironically
leaving the door open to being persuaded.
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