Cognitive Dissonance Theory: A Crash Course

I did a whole episode on Cognitive Dissonance for my podcast "Opinion Science." Hear from experts, learn more about the classic experiments, and peek at the remaining controversies: opinionsciencepodcast.com/epis...
Chances are good that you’re heard of cognitive dissonance theory, but how well do you know the ins and outs of it? My job today is to demystify cognitive dissonance. By the end of this video, you’ll have a better sense of what cognitive dissonance is and what effects it produces. Even more, you’ll know more about why and when it works the way it does.
For more on cognitive dissonance, check out the full blog post: opinionsciencepodcast.com/cogn...
Please subscribe to the channel and leave a comment below!
Be a People Expert: BeAPeopleExpert.com
Courses: socialpsychonline.com/online-c...
Twitter: / opinionscipod

[@AndyLuttrellPsych]

Okay, so ever since I posted this video in 2016, people have been leaving comments quibbling with the smoking example at 1:06 . Many of you have argued that “I smoke” and “Smoking is unhealthy” are *not* dissonant. I get it, and some of you have provided reasonable takedowns, but 6 years later, I want to clarify this point and suggest that it’s actually still a reasonable example of dissonance. First, the example comes straight out of Leon Festinger’s 1957 book, “A Theory of Cognitive Dissonance,” which laid out the theory that would go onto generate 65 years of research: “Let us now examine how dissonance may be reduced, using as an illustration the example of the habitual cigarette smoker who has learned that smoking is bad for his health. He may have acquired this information from a newspaper or magazine, from friends, or even from some physician. This knowledge is certainly dissonant with the cognition that he continues to smoke.” (pgs. 5-6) Festinger also makes a lot of the same points plenty of this video’s commenters have made, pointing out why a person may not think of “I smoke” and “Smoking is unhealthy” as inconsistent: “A person may know that smoking is bad for him and yet continue to smoke… Thus, the person who continues to smoke, knowing that it is bad for his health, may also feel (a) he enjoys smoking so much it is worth it; (b) the chances of his health suffering are not as serious as some would make out; (c) he can’t always avoid every possible dangerous contingency and still live; and (d) perhaps even if he stopped smoking he would put on weight which is equally bad for his health. So, continuing to smoke is, after all, consistent with his ideas about smoking.” (p. 2) But the point is that confronting one’s own smoking behavior AND the knowledge that it’s unhealthy shines a light on a discrepancy that needs to be rationalized. That’s the whole premise of dissonance theory. And to be clear about what dissonance is, here’s exactly how Festinger defined it: “two elements are in a dissonant relation if, considering these two alone, the obverse of one element would follow from the other. To state it a bit more formally, x and y are dissonant if not-x follows from y.” (p. 13) In other words, it seems reasonable (assuming one has any interest in their health) that “not smoking” would follow from “knowing smoking is bad for you.” But critically, Festinger acknowledges that not all dissonance is created equal. What’s dissonant for you may not be for me: “…two cognitive elements may be dissonant for a person living in one culture and not for a person living in another, or for a person with one set of experiences and not for a person with another.” (p. 15) But to the extent that two thoughts may be contradictory, the theory proposes that we seek consistency. Maybe that’s by quitting smoking. Maybe it’s by convincing ourselves that we’re willing to take the risk. Maybe that’s by denying the science. All of those can happen, but they all serve the same goal: making sure we don’t hold incompatible beliefs (or at least convincing ourselves that we don’t.) Anyhow, could I have picked a better example? Yeah, probably. But I think the point still stands. Now if I could just retroactively pull the camera further from my face and use lights that didn't reflect in my glasses, this video would be golden.

[@timi3630]

Lol. Great video and comment. Question... so from your knowledge is non duality the way to go?

[@arakiozakaki]

i think i see that some ppl who dont see smoking as dissonant see it more like: 'i know smoking is detrimental to physical health. im fine with dying. let the smoking kill me faster. might as well let smoking ease my stress/pain AND shorten my lifespan from the hell that i live in. double whammy.' i dont think all ppl think like this, but i imagine that this could be a reason why smoking and the unhealthiness of smoking arent dissonant for a lotta ppl

[@davidmudry5622]

Stockholm Syndrome your captures = Deep State = unelected self interest persons with power to prevent you from knowing about this kzbin.info/www/bejne/gnuzpoqvbtqnqdU

[@Boycott_Wendys]

You're wrong

[@andrewhallon311]

@@arakiozakakiThat person who wishes for death would change their definition of health. "“…two cognitive elements may be dissonant for a person living in one culture and not for a person living in another, or for a person with one set of experiences and not for a person with another.” (p. 15)"

[@marcoruiz5864]

school should make mental health a mandatory subject.

[@-kepha8828]

School teaches evolution, then turns around and admits matter cannot create intelligent design such as DNA of itself. Proving evolution wrong, while refusing to admit it is wrong. School is the definition of cognitive dissonance, they should not be teaching anyone. Like Adolph Hitler said, public schooling is the best means to control the population. Through preconcieved knowledge, falsehoods, and bias aimed towards their agendas.

[@isaacjackman4074]

@@-kepha8828 you make a point but quoting hitler probably isnt the best strat

[@yoooyoyooo]

@@-kepha8828 I was just watching some BBC video in how they brain wash believers in China. And while everyone in the comments were appalled by Chinese behaviour and intrusion on peoples freedom I just thought how is what they are doing different than what we do to children. I guess it's ok to teach the nonsense while they are still young.

[@-kepha8828]

@@isaacjackman4074 one of Hitlers most famous quotes was "let me control the school books and I'll be able to control the population". Quoting what Hitler said is proof the United States uses a similar strategy. To quote Hitler isnt to support Hitler. I quoted him to show you guys how this concept is NOT conspiracy theory. Government large and small think and act this way.

[@DumbCnt]

It was a mandatory subject at my school as part of our Health class. I really enjoyed it and that subject played a pretty major role in the reason why I now work in the mental health sector.

[@napalmhardcore]

The way it was explained to me is that it is the ability to hold two opposing beliefs and think them both to be equally true. I regularly experience cognitive dissonance. It originally started as just keeping an open mind, or exercising empathy (the ability to be able to put yourself in someone else's shoes). I then realised that when I analysed both sides of an inconclusive argument that I could simultaneously see both sides as being true. Basically, my brain is at war with itself much of the time and I have very little conviction in matters of opinion (as opposed to fact). I probably come off to some people as simply being indecisive and to an extent I am, but it is normally due to internal conflict. I've heard it said that if you overthink things, you can drive yourself mad. I think there is some truth to that.

[@thabangmohapeloa3490]

napalmhardcore this is exactly how I feel about feminism. Always with side that gives the best opinions , do a lot of reading but am never satisfied or able to pick a side. I also feel guilty about feeling this way which doesn't make it easier. It really is physically uncomfortable !

[@Broadpaw_Fox]

I have a sneaky feeling that you're an introvert. A lot of introverts are pretty good at empathy, and we also tend to think a lot. So we all end up in the situation you describe from time to time. In the end, it does tend to make us rather firm in our convictions (once we come to our own conclusions). Given how much we 'devils advocate' in our internal discussions, we tend to be pretty firm in the things we've thought over a fair bit. ;)

[@bobbivaneman1584]

napalmhardcore I COMPLETELY UNDERSTAND. I AM THE EXACT SAME WAY. YES, IT IS MADDENING.HOW THE HECK DO WE FIX IT ?

[@muneebbokhari4484]

Same bros same

[@jJust_NO_]

@@bobbivaneman1584 why do you think it needs fixing? Is it broken? Do you think you really need to wrap yourself with some sort of firm beliefs or ideologies? Do you feel intellectually safe that way? I like to think of my brain as malleable. Yes, it's somehow apt to say, you no longer have conviction or solid personal opinion but in our world today wherein everybody has the freedom to express themselves even though there is no value to what they are saying, keeping peacefully quiet seemed the right thing to do. I get to observe them all as much as I could possibly do, without my noisy mind trying to put my opinions forward.

[@arqam1991]

So my whole life is cognitive dissonance

[@arniecalang4583]

Yes and no but i really dont care

[@saipriyatamang1999]

😂😂😂

[@sanne700]

Me hahha

[@eschanz3611]

Mine too.

[@ysmithriley]

🤣🤣🤣 😭😭😭❗🙏

[@nulladiessinerosa]

This reminds me of the "doublethink" in George Orwell's novel 1984. That's a very extreme version of cognitive dissonance, where the population has been trained to just not think about anything too hard. It also shows up in Avatar the Last Airbender! When Zuko's actions and his thoughts don't align, he ends up physically ill from the cognitive dissonance. Fascinating stuff tbh. Great video!

[@radioboyintj]

I just said that before I saw your comment

[@abyssmom2692]

The absolute best case.

[@whackytachmedia9907]

Doublethink is exactly what it is.

[@acegikm]

All people struggling with an addiction are struggling with cognitive dissonance and denial.

[@emmelinesansom8660]

! Is it the new one on Netflix? I wanna make sure I watch the right one.

[@roflolmaomgf]

I think the example should be more like: *"I smoke because I believe it has some benefits"* & *"But smoking is unhealthy, is it?"* And then these two matters endlessly clash inside your brain without resolve until you crash. As for the original parable *"I smoke cigarettes"* it is actually a fact and void of any convictions, he could be absolutely convinced and admit to the fact that it is unhealthy but smoke regardless because of addiction. So I believe the dissonance arises when there are two incoherent convictions that are both compelling when examined individually, yet in contradiction when compared to each other.

[@whimsicalmusic]

For those of you who need to know this: you are not alone. I wish you all the happiest of experiences and I hope y'all don't experience any dissonance about the things that bring yourself and others joy. Always remember that kind acts will bring peace to your heart.

[@michelepaine8480]

Much Love!

[@jantelopez5626]

appreciated

[@alicewolf2888]

This is such a big part of my life, and I never realized.

[@ggstylz]

In an age where contradiction is guaranteed, cognitive dissonance is to be expected. It’s the current default and a natural consequence of a complex life culminating in pertinent questions.

[@227Love]

So simply put, it’s contradicting one’s own thoughts...it’s also a sign of a flexible mind able to hold more than one possibility...it can make you go insane if you’re too open minded

[@integralgamings2537]

I'd say I'm feeling a bit of that right now.

[@integralgamings2537]

And it feels horrible. Almost like I'm dying.

[@227Love]

Integral Gamings try to relax and tell yourself, you are not your thoughts and separate yourself from all thoughts. It will bring you control back to yourself

[@rodrigorivera1701]

I was struggling with the actual meaning of "cognitive dissonance", until I watched this video. Thanks man!

[@hazza_1978]

In my experience I was bullied, called names so much being called "gay" like it's a bad thing triggering my anxiety even though I'm not gay, this lead to months and years of me trying to figure it out what my sexuality was even though I am straight, I thought I was queer as I didn't know what I was because I have no sexual attraction to men. This lead to me feeling that I was gay, I tried to stop being "gay" so I changed my behaviour acting like a tough person even though I'm not, saying awful things. Until a few months ago I questioned it, why am I wasting all my brain power trying to figure this out. I realised that I wasn't gay, these bullies had conflicted my mind so much that I questioned my own sexuality. It played on my mind so much. I couldn't escape, luckily getting into some sort of focus, going outside on walks, exercise and good sleep helped. I found space in my brain. I could think for the first time in years. I will try to continue living this healthy lifestyle. Getting out a lot and going out with friends. I suffered so much, I think back to myself sweating in bed not being able to hold a conversation with family, mum, dad, brother. My heart skipping beats, social anxiety. Bad grades. An unhealthy lifestyle, stress eating. Suicidal intentions. If I can make it out of the pain and suffering to find myself once again YOU CAN TOO! Live healthily and try new things. I am 16 by the way and suffered from this since I was 13. I am going to go to therapy maybe soon regularly because I have more independance now, it will help just having someone there to talk to and to guide me reminding me of who I am. I hope to get a girlfriend soon. Good luck YOU CAN DO ANYTHING!

[@rockscracked6161]

You have profound maturity for your age. I’m 19 and have gone through an extremely similar conflict as you. Between my fathers homophobia and being bullied, I developed OCD and intrusive thoughts regarding my sexuality. I know I only like women, and there’s never been a moment in which I’ve genuinely thought I like men, however essentially the same thing that happened to you happened to me. I’m glad you found solace. I’m still rerouting my brain to rid of the OCD/anxiety, but I’m getting there.

[@acegikm]

Lord, that's such a sad story. Thankfully there are places that are very accepting of gay people. I have a friend in Austin, TX who said he doesn't feel like being gay is causing him personally any serious discrimination and he's living a great life. And society as a whole is becoming more and more accepting.

[@hughmungus7015]

no matter what i am going through, I can make myself smile and briefly feel happy by telling myself that god loves me. A lot of my depression comes from feeling unloved and unworthy of being loved, so by telling myself that someone loves me, it lessens for a brief period of time.

[@bladesandflannels4665]

I’m glad that works for you, but try to love yourself and that’s all you’ll ever need. Sometimes there’s a specific reason people get depressed. It sounds like you don’t have many people around you that tell you how much you mean to them. Try going to therapy and getting help for depression. While getting help, you can try opening up to the people around you more. Eventually, through all that, you’ll find some kind of self love. We love ourselves through our actions. Love yourself by thinking of your needs, love yourself by having a nourishing meal, love yourself by taking a hot shower etc. You also gain confidence and therefore self love/respect by reaching certain goals you have. Best of luck to you ❤️

[@jamiethompson6605]

I dub thee irrelevant

[@hughmungus7015]

@@jamiethompson6605 ?

[@oliviarose3513]

Amen 🙏

[@michelepaine8480]

Me too :( We need to work on this. How can anyone love you if you don't love yourself?? Working on it. Tough road.

[@ayyazhussain9978]

Thank you for this video. The physical pain that he was explaining in the video is true! I have been struggling with IBS as a side effect. The pain is really bad and can be hard to handle. I had always thought it was 'anxiety' however it isn't. So don't mix the two up, Anxiety in my belief, some sort of side effect of cognitive dissonance. Please be aware and always be positive. Positive thinking and self therapy is crucial. I hope nobody goes through the pain I am. It's not good at all. Doctors can not help. Medicines will not help. The answer you want to seek and find lies within yourself.

[@hazza_1978]

I had the exact same thing. You can get out of it. You need time and space to focus.

[@kidzrang3]

This was an amazing explaination of the meaning of '' cognitivte dissonance ''. You have a real talent of explaining stuff well, thank you!

[@3gchapa]

@Democrats are cunts U sound like a trump supporter that may be suffering from cognitive dissonance lol

[@tobe3906]

@@3gchapa anyone that puts faith in government whether democrat or republican has cognitive dissonance.

[@awgatsheni6598]

Brilliant explanation ... you must rethink your profession ... that's if you are not in teaching at present.

[@zzeie5129]

Me also 🙂

[@michaellangan4450]

@@tobe3906 You got that right!

[@ChannelZero1031]

1:16 My entire life is a cognitive dissonance. I have learned. Always hitting walls when my perception is "corrected" when i see how shitty things really are. Never fails.

[@mikedebell2242]

After hearing this, I feel like having a cigarette.

[@ggstylz]

😂

[@richgreeeat8736]

Me too!

[@toiy6556]

Lol

[@petecicero]

😭😭😭

[@millennialaviation]

That’s really sad

[@JustForFun119]

That example at the end is such a great ending for this video, thanks for explaining this idea!

[@charleswalker3220]

I just learned of this term recently. I took a little initiative and looked into it, thus stumbling across your video. I keep looking into things such as this due to high anxiety and honestly just feeling over opinionated. People like yourself who take your knowledge and sum it up as well as you do, do such a great service to those who look to help themselves but even those who just simply wish to gain a greater understanding. I thank you for all that you do! 🖤

[@Aliceintherosegarden]

I'm studying communication for business and commercial purpose and this is one of the first things we learnt. It is very handy to know this for personal goals too. This theory has helped me with decision making.

[@dougbryant5417]

First time I've seen this channel, I thought it was really intersting. I'm addicted to opioids and hate it. I have a choice but the draw of the drugs wins everytime and physically tears me up. I have bipolar disorder which makes things really fun. Everyday I try and fail to make the right choice. The cognitive dissenance has spilled over into other realms of my life creating, I'm sure, damaging behaviours and I'm developing a squwed way to cope with reality. I need to get professional help but you know it's not so bad I can sort it my self....

[@raerae6422]

Doug Bryant hope youre off the opioids or still trying. If you can afford it get that professional help. They can help with accountability, encouragement, coping strategies, root causes, re-training some of your thought patterns(cbt) and even just having someone outside of your circle to vent to. Dont let that mf’ing soul-destroying drug win. Take your power back. Live the life you deserve.

[@lisajackson8480]

Hope you’re doing better

[@nandarani4002]

@@raerae6422 exactly Plz seek help if u can It will surely be very helpful Wish u r doin well or trying All the best

[@lmy222]

The problem is most definitely not the drug. Dive deep on the real shit and see what you’re running from. The drug acts as a coping method. When looking at things from a wider perspective, you can also start to slowly implement harmless coping methods into your life. It will be difficult and painful. We cannot avoid pain as it is necessary for life but we in fact can choose what kind of pain it is. You are so able to get the power back to yourself, I hope you’re doing good on realising that! All the best

[@AbolishYTHandles]

What about now

[@onetallgirl1369]

I have struggled to understand cognitive dissonance for YEARS! And that man just explained it so clearly in less than 7 minutes! I love you Andy Luttrell, I love you ALOT! lol! Thank you so much for this video!

[@madamesadie8719]

Thank you so much for this. I'm not a bright person, and I find it incredibly hard to grasp when people talk about big concepts like this. But you made it make sense. Thank you.

[@NYCTalkingcom]

I’ve been struggling with this for ever. Thanks for the great breakdown. I’m gonna watch it again.

[@YumegakaMurakumo]

Staying in bed ruminating on the past and getting more and more depressed. I know I shouldn't but find it hard to convince myself to get up. My cognitive dissonance and many others like me has resulted from emotional abuse.

[@Kirkwoodclay]

Mugaka Murakumo ❤️

[@krane15]

Left field. A whole different subject altogether.

[@kslalotra6131]

@@krane15 what's left field? Could shed more light upon that topic.Anyways I would be searching about it.

[@krane15]

@@kslalotra6131 A colloquial term for when someone deviates far from the topic at hand.

[@kslalotra6131]

@@krane15 oh ok.now I feel embarrassed. Thank you for clearing that up.

[@allentalbert7678]

Great job. Concise and clear. Cheers.

[@usernametaken73]

Wanna know where cognitive dissonance is most prevalent? Voters

[@Sp1n1985]

What about the ones who don't vote amongst party lines?

[@JoshMarshain]

Marcus INfinity all 6 of them?

[@3Nails1Cross4Given]

I have seen it in action with my Liberal friends.

[@samw6048]

Is that cognitive dissonance?

[@mirumiru3951]

Haha! Snap!

[@liz9537]

m My understanding is minimal at best but I am interested and your explanation was simple and to the point thank-you... I will be watching for more of your videos

[@PhamVans]

A rather good explanation sir. Definitely some thing I think a lot of us experience throughout life. Particularly during moments of adversity. Although very discomforting, I believe this is what creates the the truly unique perceptions of an individual. There is always 2 sides to a story, no matter how you want to look at some thing. It's safe to say that this is really the only way to find actual wisdom, through the many trials and tribulations... And all the moments of dissonance one may have.

[@adamwilson232]

You're a cool guy. I enjoy listening to you

[@khan1dumvip]

Classic case of CD

[@LazyRare]

@@khan1dumvip lol

[@professorfinesser2870]

Hello! I just wanted to say that this is the most clear-cut and in-depth but also not overly convoluted explanations that I have heard when I heard this word I am a curious person so I looked it up and came across this video. I stumbled across this word because I heard it in a movie and as it turns out this disorder if that’s what it is considered is the driving factor that I am struggling with more than anything else and it is impeding my ability to have a healthy life and I really appreciate you opening my eyes to how to attempt to deal with it or atleast to understand it..overall this is a great video and it was extremely helpful considering that this is the root cause of everything that I am dealing with right now. so I want you to know I appreciate it that your very intelligent and you most likely helped somebody’s life today(hopefully) lol

[@LonjeMarie7]

Thank you you made it so simple in consistency leads to us physically feeling uncomfortable so we do many things to be consistent and to be comfortable

[@plf5695]

Very well explained. Thank you for posting it.

[@IamMinnie90]

Awesome, Thank you!

[@sasha_nivar]

thank you for taking time to define and give simple and concise examples of this regular human occurrence

[@karlr2908]

Wow this opens up so many ideas for me... Helps a lot for me to help sort out some crap I'm working through

[@ConnieVC1066]

What about cognitive dissonance when gaslighting and narcissistic abuse are a cause?

[@trance9158]

Gotta be referring to trump and the GOP

[@carolinelala9818]

Go listen to a professional like Dr. Sam Vaknin, Knowing the Narcissist or Dr. Craig Malkin, Richard Grannon (Spartan Life coach), Sasha Sloan and Lisa A. Romano. This guy is not a professional but a guy who cares to make videos on the topic, not bad but not in that area.

[@soccerandtrack10]

yeah crazy people are full of paradoxes they all crave power and control thus paradoxes.

[@soccerandtrack10]

that's why propaganda has so many incomstenstenies,first like guns now trump got bribed in they hate guns, they just want a dictorship and a rebellion will stop it. #darkness rises and light with it. star wars.

[@soccerandtrack10]

cnn is just fox without judging.

[@TheaDragonSpirit]

Well the opposite is true in some ways, sometimes people don't justify their negative actions, they simply say. I messed up, or I made a mistake and they change their behaviour to match their actual beliefs and feelings. They accept responsibility for the errors they made. Rather than trying to keep justifying lying to themselves and not being honest with themselves. Long term this will cause a lot more problems if they don't accept that they're doing the best they can and everyone at some point makes mistakes. You have to learn from the mistakes and avoid making them in the future. Rather than believe you're a perfect person.

[@sterlingsilver5937]

Thank you for taking the time to share this. This is a topic that interests me.

[@patriciagalindo8841]

Your explanation of CD was so helpful in my Social Psychology course. Thanks for sharing!

[@ApurvaGParanjape]

THIS HELPED ME BIG TIME BEFORE MY EXAMS THANK YOU♥️

[@ndutakimani1790]

Hello Apurva☺️

[@robguyatt9602]

Andy, thanks for your excellent presentation. I hear the term used often and I feel it is more often than not misused. Take the flat Earth debate for example. Members of both sides use it against the other. The common usage is in saying to an opponent "You know I am right but you suffer cognitive dissonance and so can't accept that I am right." Your smoking example I think is excellent. Another example (I think) is where one's beliefs are in conflict with reality. In the case of flat Earth believers, to suffer CD they would have to consciously accept facts about Earth that can't be supported by their belief. I have been studying the FE belief phenomenon for nearly a year. I have engaged with many Flatties. I can't say I have seen a single one of them accept any facts that go against their FE belief. So I am saying in my experience, I have not encountered any suffering CD. I feel they are simply in denial. I think denial is a very different cognitive state. Your thought's, please.

[@walteroshinsky2132]

Let's discuss some FACTS of the other "denial" - THE Nile River. I am fairly sure we can agree that water ONLY flows down hill (never up hill and also always seeks to be LEVEL once it stops "flowing" into a lake or sea. The Nile river is over 4000 miles long traveling over 16% of the Earth's SURFACE and flows from just south of the Equator almost due NORTH thru 13 countries. It has a 1000 mile stretch where it ONLY declines approximately ONE FOOT (12 inches) barely flowing in that 1000 mile stretch thru a VERY Flat nearly perfectly level plain. Explain to me how that is possible on a round "ball shaped" Globe? Also, explain to me why all elevations on earth (e.g. mountains) are measured in FEET above Sea LEVEL? If the earth is round - why isn't it Sea Curvature? I can give you over 100 other examples of why the earth isn't a Globe. Can you give me ONE PROOF that the earth is spinning ball spinning at over 1000 miles per hour the equator (which is required for a 24 hour day on a round spinning earth) - that's about 18 miles per second, yet we can't FEEL it or experience any movement what so ever but when we were kids we were very? If the earth is spinning - why is a direct round trip airplane flight to and from Cleveland to Las Vegas each take about 4 hours? Why wouldn't west bound trips take less time if the earth is spinning from west to east? I too was brain washed from childhood into thinking we live on a spinning ball shaped globe until I tried to prove it. The harder I tried, the more I came to REALIZE using my "REAL EYES" and other senses that we DO NOT live on a spinning BALL and that they have been telling us nothing except REAL LIES all our lives. Open your eyes and wake up and think about "WHAT else have "they" lied about? Feel free to contact me at [e-mail].

[@danishbutter1847]

but denial often leads to mental defensive mechanism in the first place and one person may just choose CD to cope with discomforting scenarios its a still fact that any species under stress or attack on it's personal space will trigger defenses regardless but yeah denial is one of the first triggering deep inner emotion states when a person has to confront the scenario.

[@theanimaster]

@@walteroshinsky2132 I just proved the world was round myself by circumnavigating the globe from both the Atlantic and pacific seas. I’m content with that and you’re a fool who has yet to take a simple flight out of the country and see the other side of the world. Or is it I just somehow went through a teleporter at one end? How do flat-earthers explain this?

[@orionblue98]

Thankyou... I think I've experienced this on a major scale recently and this helped me understand it a bit more.

[@jantelopez5626]

this guy has a really calming presence. kudos

[@tiggerjimbo1275]

I make a joke with my boss and despise him behind his back, I say I love my job, but really I'd much rather be traveling the world. I'm so healthy, but I know I drink too much. I fake it to make it, but deep down I know I'm a fraud.

[@zakosist]

I've wanted to travel the travel the world too, especially when younger but still kinda want it. I wonder how the people who do actually achieve it. Like do they just start walking with a backpack and hope for the best? If not then how do they get so much money and so much spare time at the same time that they can actually keep doing it? I mean you would probably need some sort of paid transportation several times, whether its a boat, plane, train or taxi. And at the minumum need food and shelter, but maybe they learned to survive in the wild and dont need to pay for those.

[@saadiawaheed]

Hahahahah 🤣🤣

[@beetogarcia9983]

Same

[@Snurre86]

@@zakosist Well, open up your mind and see like me Open up your plans and damn you're free And look into your heart and you'll find love, love, love, love

[@zakosist]

@@Snurre86 Does this poem really have anything to do with what I said? The statement "open up your eyes" is a stupid statement if you mean it seriously (not saying you are stupid, just that kind of statement, not meant to be mean), you cannot open your eyes more than they already are and it adds nothing useful

[@DB-ik8hn]

Cognitive dissonance is experienced we hold two inconsistent cognitions not (only) thoughts. For cognitive dissonance theory, a cognition would include thoughts, feelings and behaviour etc.

[@SpinBikerRepair]

Yes sir

[@melissastipes613]

Thank you for this video, I liked the smoking cigarettes metaphor. I am an RN, I had a trouble with alcohol 3 years ago, when I went to rehab, I understood the fact that most people don’t just stop habits, but rather we replace them. Well, the best way to do that in a rehab center, as you can guess is smoking. Something I had been bitching about for years to family members who smoked. The way I rationalize this to myself and others, was to say “look drinking will kill in in 2 years, smoking will take 20” not elegant but it shut them up. 3 years later I am looking for a way to stop this as well, and after gaining 15 lbs, needing to keep my mouth busy I have gone back to smoking. Ironically called my cousin today who is a phycologist and ask for some help. Wish me luck. But I digress. Thanks for the video, I have heard this term used often recently and I am that kind of person who underlines words or phrases and looks then up later, if I am unclear. My husband says stop talking to me in your “fancy college words” well that’s not going to happen 😉

[@izariays]

Love your deep voice. Your content helped me to understand this topic better. Thank you!

[@dee5298]

Knowing smoking is bad does not mean someone does not want to smoke. It is not an inconsistency if their view of it is clear. It is not cognitive dissonance if the fact has no bearing on their actions.

[@andersondemiranda]

smoking was a bad exaple. he should ha used religion

[@sairamkrishnan6826]

If the facts have no consequence then either the individual doesn’t trust the fact or trivializes the fact .. still a case of cognitive dissonance rite ?

[@mario_2529]

The video explains that if he changes his mind or views he will still continue smoking. He knows it's bad but he doesn't care. It's making excuses to make your self consistent

[@meddlesomemusic]

sairam krishnan or the person doesn't mind harming themselves

[@robguyatt9602]

It depends on the thinking. If a person accepts that their addiction is bad for them and they want to give up but can't due to the addiction then they are suffering from cognitive dissonance. If they know it's bad and don't give a shit then they aren't suffering CD. He covered this well. He explained when it is CD and when it is not.

[@PostalFerretWithRum]

[notices inconsistency is spelled incorrectly, flies into cognitively dissonant rage!!]

[@mitchellbourne5268]

Awesome video. Thanks for informing us of an important subject with an easy to understand, well put-together video

[@caroettinger]

I've had problems understanding the Force Compliance Experiment. The point about choice really sums it up well, thanks!

[@jdlyons82]

I'm confused with "I smoke cigarettes" being a thought. It doesn't compare/contrast to the thought of "I know it's bad for me". Wouldn't "I smoke cigarettes because (fill in the blank), but I know it's bad for me" work better?

[@darrylscott6648]

Abit pedantic, i think we all still understood the example

[@jennyk4089]

So how do you tell the difference between someone who really doesn't care and someone who's just telling themselves they don't care?

[@WrathOfAthena]

How often does the person bring the topic up? How does the person react when someone else brings up the topic - does he/she get defensive about how much he/doesn’t care, or is he/she genuinely flippant?

[@RaiseYourVibes333]

Thank you for sharing your time and knowledge!

[@kimberlyvanderpool2634]

By far the best CD explanation I've seen. Thank you!

[@Killakiwikutter]

The last part made me laugh, yes we must all go to some weird parties

[@nickvegas6552]

u earned every like. Very informative

[@taaltheband6324]

Really helpful... I watched two videos before watching this but didn't understand anything but after watching this everything is clear

[@Chandniduggad]

you made it seem so easy and quick to understand . thank you so much

[@davidfunna6535]

Great video!

[@sincerelyshans]

As a Holistic Nutritionist and Dietitian-to-be, this is GREAT to help me with my clients who are trying to achieve a healthy weight, yet struggle a bit with making the healthy choices to do so. Thanks!

[@drmaikeneuhaus]

Great video and clear explanation, Andy! Very much appreciated :)

[@hugeitsu271]

Wonderful, concise, informative video. Thank you for making this.

[@harivssc27]

Thanks for the video. An animal lover who is also a non vegetarian, Is it an example of cognitive dissonance ?

[@amyfox9560]

Harikumar T S no one has replied to you over 6 months, yes it is cognitive dissonance

[@frankiejo6988]

Yes. This is cognitive dissonance.

[@DrMateen36]

Seriously getting OCD vibes from this concept.

[@Davidesonar449]

very clear explanation with good examples. Thanks a lot!

[@aleaceny]

Great explanation and break down of cognitive dissonance. Thank you!

[@Alex.Vonderhaar]

Randomly scrolling through youtube to find the face of my old social psych professor from OSU!

[@p.bamygdala2139]

Oooooh, the part about perception of “choice” was fascinating! So what if various groups such as cults, religions, political parties, by removing the perception of choice (obey the leader, god commands it, a vote for X is a vote for the terrorists), actually help people resolve the pain of CD because they can defer agency? Maybe that’s why loyalty has remained so fierce for those institutions.

[@bobbivaneman1584]

ANDY, GREAT VIDEO & EXPLAINED VERY WELL. THANK YOU. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK !.

[@hothatchpa]

Thank you for your clear explanation and you are a natural at making these videos. Good stuff.

[@OPTIMUMELITE]

So you lie to yourself.:( or just change the thought completely.

[@rhys2792]

Me: *experienes cognitive dissonance* Also me: *Visible confusion*

[@malimonaegroenning8996]

Thank you so much for this video. This helped me tremendously.

[@KellyLoveCreativeCurator]

Clear and concise -- thank you.

[@adriansararu1]

or i smoke, i know is bad, but helps me chill :D

[@hollythornell5262]

I feel like my whole life and all my thoughts are cognitive dissonance.

[@thinkingmachine354]

Holly Thornell same but especially the thoughts. Political things is one of my main interests but I don’t know where I truly stand. Philosophy is the next because I want to know why I don’t know.

[@ricksanchez4813]

Thinking Machine I kinda fell into libertarianism for this very reason. Very few things are inherently right or wrong. My belief is the large grey area between black and white should be largely unregulated.

[@thinkingmachine354]

Rick Sanchez the problem with liberal thinking, at least I find, is that it doesn’t command respect. Traditions that keep things running properly disappear in a liberal order. Though obviously the complete reverse tends to ignite rebellion. Liberals tend to sacrifice the collective way of things for more individualistic things. While I trust every man to think for himself, I don’t think any of us could really thrive without a collective goal.

[@ricksanchez4813]

Thinking Machine I disagree. Plenty of us would thrive. But I do agree than many more wouldn’t. I’m not advocating anarchy. There must be a loose coalition. But as much latitude should be given to the individual as possible.

[@thinkingmachine354]

Rick Sanchez Yes I agree about a loose coalition. My ideal nation would be many small villages linked together by trade and confederacy.

[@whatzupearthlings]

Great concise description....well done!

[@Nico-nv9qk]

This was an excellent overview of Cognitive Dissonance. Very Very well done.

[@jaydoublegee2831]

I love animals I eat animals Cognitive dissonance? I love eating animals I eat animals No cognitive dissonance

[@MariyaLoveyah]

That's why I became vegetarian and I feel so much better! :) I realized I don't want to have the blood of animals on me. I don't want to eat someone's flesh and blood.

[@dphorgan]

Jay Double Gee smoking is a bad example. Smoking is addictive. 99.99% of smokers want to quite but CAN'T.

[@shannon811]

David Horgan I think it's a good example. Cigarettes aren't actually super addictive. There's no withdrawal symptoms that are extreme enough to say that it's physically addictive. So it's mentally addictive. I smoked cigarettes before at 15-17 and I started college and cold turkey stopped smoking halfway through the first semester. It's mentally addictive in the way that heavier people are addicted to food. I think genetically maybe I don't have this issue of mental addiction as severely as others do. I never needed to smoke, I always just wanted to. It's that simple

[@suruxstrawde8322]

E Pearson That sounds more like selective care, cognitive dissonance is the irrational denying of something simply because it conflicts with your beliefs rather than actually checking facts. Besides, just because somone can harm another of the same species, doesn't mean they can't love a different individual, going by that logic anyone who could kill somone for their family doesn't actually love their family because they're human.

[@trenzinhodaalegria8012]

The first one is cognitive dissonance confirmed.

[@MarianneWilliamson2024Prez]

Cognitive dissonance isn't bad. Ambivalence is something I am proud of having.

[@LearnEnglishLanguzge]

Great explanation, THANKS!

[@Official_Doge]

This is such a good explanation. Thank you for this video.

[@PhillipOnWater]

So, hypocrites suffer from cognitive dissonance?

[@valeriemichelle07]

Wow.. Considering Western culture generally, it appears that we operate/live within a culture of social dissonance, do we not?

[@potatoalpacas6114]

@Herbal Shaman what...

[@potatoalpacas6114]

@Herbal Shaman but why white supremacy? North Korea has weapons of mass destruction, and they aren't white, why white specifically what does the social dissonance of western society correlate to specifically white supremacy?

[@potatoalpacas6114]

@Herbal Shaman and also do you care to source where you found that information in the 2nd part?

[@potatoalpacas6114]

@Herbal Shaman you are overthinking it, it is not that complex, there is no white supremacist underlying conspiracy in down in the states, just because that's what it was built on does not mean it is in such a manner in this time. Canada was built by white supremacists, what does it mean? Does this mean they have the same case as the states? They have a fairly large GDP and economy are they a white supremacist socially dissonant country? Yes? No?

[@Paid2Win]

Wow this thread is fucking insane.

[@coachcarlosjohnson]

Awesome information. Thank you

[@carolinefischer5187]

Very helpful! Thank you!

[@arcticpolar1910]

you should have more subscribers

[@AndyLuttrellPsych]

Tell me about it! I'm working on more videos now. Things have been growing steadily, but I'm looking into ways to spread the word. Thanks for the support!

[@liz9537]

Personally I just watched a young ladys video on facebook called" I want change" she suggested we look up cognitive dissonance So i did...Needless to say I am not a intellect but I feel we all have to start somewhere You were a good place tostart for me. Thank you for helping me and others come out of our long long overdue slumber i am waking up and listening... keep it coming!

[@scrapy3211]

You explained it so clear thank you, but I wanted to known if there is a specific term, scientific term, to the process of adding new thoughts to alleviate dissonance? Thanks : )

[@michelem7786]

Watching the news today after people learned that their President is not a Russian agent is PRICELESS. Total cognitive dissonance. #MuellerTime

[@jaylopes8489]

That's the first thing I thought of, I just didn't know what to call it, now if I can just properly pronounce cognitive dissonance without a pause . . . 🖐🇵🇹🍷

[@michelem7786]

@@jaylopes8489 So funny! Cheers!

[@larrysouthern5098]

You got it!! Way to go ..I love it!!

[@michellecox5543]

That was awesome! Great examples to help explain what the meaning of the word is. You got me as a subscriber.

[@anonymous.reviewer]

Thanks for the video! It was very clear and well explained!

[@jessiefox3739]

Just because something is unhealthy doesn't mean that people won't do it.

[@AstralBeing]

Jessie Fox -.-

[@HumanBean520]

Wooooooow, you’re a genius!

[@samw6048]

Saying that "smoking is bad" and "I smoke regularly" are not two thoughts, it is one thought and one action.

[@marjoryrainey7039]

Sam W That sounds correct to me.. I think it's a great observation

[@darksoul479]

Sam W. Wrong, come on man at least try to think.

[@kdeherrera13]

Can’t an action clearly be a thought? Both of these, “thoughts”correlate with each other (one after another in most smokers’ heads making them anxious and conflicted about smoking) in a non-consistent way making them a great staple example for what this cognitive dissonance video is defined by. Makes perfect sence to me.

[@samw6048]

@@kdeherrera13 No, one is a thought and the other is an action. If you said "smoking is so bad for you", "but I am not convinced (I don't think) that it will harm me", is two thoughts.

[@samw6048]

@@kdeherrera13 It is, if you say it is a thought, or how you think about it. For example, I know smoking is bad for me, but I don't think it is going to harm me unless I have smoked for several years. That implies you know you shouldn't smoke, but that you are trying to rationalize your habit and the consequences it could have on you.

[@SummerRain210]

Thank you so much for explaining this! You helped me a lot!! :)

[@furkantan5434]

This video helped me on my homework.Thank you.

[@jok3st4]

You have a nice upper lip

[@habibaduval9988]

I think both of his lips are equally nice. Lol

[@gagecain9320]

Wtf lol

[@Nobody800_]

Lmaooooo

[@alexsmallex1963]

😐

[@Joseph-kj1ok]

y u lookin at his lips?

[@lf0153]

You're too close to the camera bro lol take a fee steps back

[@danlewis1871]

I appreciate your clear & thoughtful explanation

[@greenmachineglow2941]

This is a very good video. Thanks for the info.