Why We Think Our Beliefs Are Right: Understanding Cognitive Bias, Groupthink, and the Psychology of Certainty
As I listen to and read social media posts of people’s opinions, that are almost always framed in a way that would indicate these opinions are instead absolutes, I started contemplating why people hold on so tightly to their viewpoints without regard to others’ points-of-view, life experiences, and circumstances. In other words, without empathy. I mean at least when Eve ate from the tree of knowledge, she realized, she was naked. These days when people eat from their tree of knowledge, depending on which snake they listen to, they believe that it is everyone else that is naked.
In my podcast Moving Mountains in Three Inch Heels, one of its core messages is “Start with ME,” that we start with ourselves—prioritize ourselves, but also start with the person in the mirror, holding ourselves accountable for what we can control. One thing that seems like so many don’t take responsibility for is delivery of their opinion and confusing their opinion with fact.
Have you ever found yourself in a heated debate, certain that your viewpoint is the “right” one? Maybe you have witnessed others doubling down on their beliefs, seemingly blind to contradictory evidence. This isn’t uncommon—our brains are wired in ways that make us cling to what we believe, especially when those beliefs are reinforced by our environment, society, and personal experiences. Let’s take a deeper look into why people so often think their beliefs are the only correct ones and how understanding this can help us further empathy, mental flexibility, and open-mindedness.
The Role of Cognitive Biases in Shaping Beliefs
Our brains naturally lean toward cognitive biases, which heavily influence our beliefs. These biases act as mental shortcuts, helping us make quick decisions but often limiting our perspective and narrowing our view of what is “true.”
Confirmation Bias and Personal Beliefs: This bias drives us to seek information that supports our existing beliefs while ignoring or downplaying contradictory evidence. For instance, if we hold a particular political view, we’re more likely to follow news sources that reinforce that viewpoint, gradually solidifying our belief in its correctness.
Anchoring Bias and Worldview: Our initial beliefs, especially those formed early or based on influential sources, act as anchors, making us resistant to change. Once we’re rooted in a belief, even if new information arises, our initial position still holds significant influence.
Belief Perseverance and Resistance to Change: When presented with overwhelming evidence that challenges our beliefs, we often hold onto them. This tendency, known as belief perseverance, and why we see strong divisions over complex issues with compelling arguments on both sides.
Social Influence and the Power of Groupthink
Beyond individual cognitive biases, social environments, societal influences, and community norms play a considerable role in reinforcing beliefs. Humans are inherently social beings, and we’re influenced by those around us, especially when it comes to shared values and ideas.
Social Proof and Community Reinforcement: We often look to others, especially those we respect or identify with, to determine what’s right or acceptable. This is why people’s beliefs tend to align with those of their families, friends, and communities.
Echo Chambers and Filter Bubbles: Social media algorithms curate content based on what we’ve liked or engaged with before, creating echo chambers where we’re primarily exposed to perspectives we already agree with. This isolation from diverse views increases our immovable certainty in our beliefs.
Groupthink and In-Group Favoritism: We all want to feel accepted by our social groups. Groupthink occurs when members of a group strive for consensus and harmony, even if it means ignoring critical perspectives. Over time, groupthink can make our beliefs feel not just correct but absolute.
The Psychological Need for Certainty and Control
On a deeper psychological level, holding firm beliefs can help us feel more stable and in control in an unpredictable world. This need for stability often influences our perception of right and wrong.
Cognitive Dissonance and Comfort in Certainty: Changing beliefs can feel uncomfortable and disorienting, a concept known as cognitive dissonance. To reduce discomfort, we’re more likely to justify our current beliefs rather than change them, solidifying our sense of control.
Need for Stability in a Changing World: In an unpredictable world, a stable belief system offers comfort. Knowing what we “stand for” or “believe in” provides a sense of identity and direction.
The Impact of Personal Experiences on Beliefs
Personal experiences carry immense weight in shaping our worldview, sometimes more than scientific facts or objective data. Experiences we live through directly shape what we perceive to be true. Personal experiences feel immediate and relatable, often making them feel more compelling than abstract knowledge. If someone experiences a specific outcome or witnesses it firsthand, it often becomes a truth for them. While others without that same experience, may question its validity of being truth.
Emotional Experiences and Lasting Memories: Strong emotions, like those tied to trauma or success, enhance memories. Experiences connected to strong emotions reinforce the beliefs that develop from them, especially if these experiences challenge or confirm previously held views.
Why Some Beliefs Are Seen as Absolute
Cultural and religious contexts, along with influential authority figures, can make certain beliefs feel universal or unchangeable.
Religious and Cultural Influences on Worldview: Many cultural and religious beliefs are passed down over generations, reinforcing their “absolute” nature. They become foundational parts of personal and community identity, so questioning them feels like questioning one’s heritage or values.
Authority Figures and Influence: People often believe authority figures—starting with our parents, but also can include celebrities, political leaders, or experts—to tell them what’s true. When these figures advocate certain beliefs, those beliefs feel absolute.
Societal Norms and Social Pressure: Societal norms exert pressure on individuals to conform. Shared values or norms within a society often create the perception that certain beliefs are universal or “just the way things are.”
Encouraging Open-Mindedness and the Importance of Flexibility
Open-mindedness is a necessary component for balanced perspectives, critical thinking, and personal growth.
Benefits of Critical Thinking and Open Dialogue: Encouraging open-mindedness promotes empathy and understanding and helps us connect with others more deeply.
Practical Tips for Staying Open to New Perspectives:
Question Assumptions Regularly: Practice questioning why you believe what you do and consider how you might react if you believed the opposite.
Engage with Diverse Viewpoints and Media: Read, listen to, or interact with perspectives different from your own to broaden your understanding and knowledge.
Focus on Active Listening: Instead of listening to respond, listen to understand. Try to value where another person is coming from, which can reveal constructive insights and allow mental flexibility.
In Conclusion:
Understanding why we’re inclined to see our views as absolute helps cultivate an open-minded approach. My intention isn’t to change minds but to encourage consideration of other perspectives. Alignment can often be more valuable than agreement, as we acknowledge and respect others’ viewpoints without abandoning our own.
Resources
Here are some valuable resources and articles that explore the psychology of beliefs,cognitive biases, groupthink, and personal growth:
The Decision Lab – “Understanding Cognitive Biases and Their Impact on Decision
Making” https://thedecisionlab.com/biases
Verywell Mind – “What Is Confirmation Bias?” https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-a-
Rutgers University – Study – “What Drives Belief”
https://www.rutgers.edu/news/study-examines-what-drives-belief
Psychology Today – “Groupthink”
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/groupthink
Forbes – “Harmonious Leadership: Balancing Critical Thinking And Empathy”
https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbescoachescouncil/2024/06/11/harmonious-
leadership-balancing-critical-thinking-and-empathy/
TED Talks – “How to Disagree Productively”
https://www.ted.com/talks/julia_dhar_how_to_disagree_productively_and_find_common
The Moving Mountains in Three Inch Heels Podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. It is in no way intended to be used as a source of medical advice, recommendations, or diagnosis. The opinions of guests are not necessarily the opinions of Moving Mattresses in Three Inch Heels, LLC or any of its affiliates. Always seek the advice of your medical professional for a diagnosis or before starting any program.