Confirmation bias is bending evidence to fit one's beliefs. Arguments that use confirmation bias can sound reasonable. Evidence is provided and conclusions are made. However, the evidence can also be manipulated to conclude something else or even the opposite.
Politicians are especially skilled at using confirmation bias. Sound bite rhetoric reinforces the claims made. When fear-mongering is added to the mix, arguments turn into tirades. This is one reason for the current bipartisan divisiveness. Each side manipulates the facts to confirm what they believe and support their thinking with emotional drama..
Want proof of this phenomenon? Try this:
- Go onto Twitter and calmly engage in an debate with someone who disagrees with you.
- Ignore the name-calling and focus on the arguments
- Manipulate their evidence to prove the opposite of what they are claiming
- Some will respond with more rhetoric that can be picked apart. You can bombard these folks with facts, but it likely won't make any difference.
- Others may offer new information and resources. Investigate, assimilate and/or discard. You may discover your own confirmation bias in the process.
Thinking people want to find a meeting point so they can walk away from a debate without rancor. Yes, there is always a meeting point because we are all human.
