"Confirmation bias is when people only believe information that reinforces what they already believe. For example, vaccine opponents may only believe information about vaccines being unsafe, and will reject any contrary information or facts. Confirmation bias is one reason people find it hard to let go of their belief in misinformation. Misinformed people often trust virtual or online sources, such as social media or podcasts. However, misinformation is increasingly coming from state and federal government agencies."
"Change can happen when people consider perspectives that are contrary to their own. Cognitive dissonance occurs when a person has inconsistent perspectives about something important to them. Overcoming confirmation bias to loosen a misinformed person's grip on misinformation can happen if trusted messengers (particularly people they know), present them with alternative views. Cognitive dissonance occurs when misinformed people consider those alternatives. The cognitive conflict (or dissonance) can be resolved over time by their choosing one alternative over another."
People resist change when new information conflicts with existing beliefs. Confirmation bias leads people to accept only information that reinforces preexisting beliefs and to reject contrary facts. Misinformation often spreads via online sources such as social media and podcasts, and is increasingly propagated by state and federal agencies. Cognitive dissonance occurs when individuals confront inconsistent perspectives about matters important to them. Exposure to alternative views can create cognitive conflict that may be resolved over time by choosing one perspective. Trusted messengers, particularly those known personally, can present alternatives, add nuance, and reveal the motivations behind misinformation to guide people toward factual reality.
Read at Psychology Today
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