Why Do We Justify Things That We Know Are Wrong? | Cognitive Dissonance

In this insightful video, we delve into the complex phenomenon of cognitive dissonance and explore why humans often find themselves justifying actions they know are wrong.
Cognitive dissonance is defined as a feeling of stress of discomfort when we come across a conflicting thought, idea or viewpoint as opposed to ours. According to Festinger, who theorized and presented the idea of Cognitive Dissonance for the first time in 1957, there are three ways we cope with them.
He also states that there are a total of 3 triggers for Cognitive dissonance and we can use any one or a mix of the coping mechanisms to cope with them. The three triggers are:
Addictions.
Being divided between options when making decisions and bad outcomes from choosing an option.
Social Pressure.
While triggers work on the surface level, the origin of cognitive dissonance goes back to the ego. In order to end the mental discomfort one has to reach the ego. While professional help matters, they are bound by the parameters of knowledge. This is where realization matters.
If a person despite facing cognitive dissonance and mental conflict walks in the same path, he tends to bring upon him the pain of realization that opens us doorways to agony but also the resolve. Realization delivers permanent results and sets people free from such mental conflicts opening doors to true freedom.
Chapters:
00:00 -Introduction
01:56-3 Coping Mechanism of the Brain
02:50-Triggers of Cognitive Dissonance, 1st trigger-Addictions
03:17-2nd Trigger-Making a decision when presented with multiple option
05:04-3rd Trigger-Social Pressure
07:14-Cognitive Dissonance thrives on EGO
09:39-Correcting Cognitive Dissonance-Realization Vs. Ego
Attribution:
Capital Riot Image - AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana
Disclaimer:
I am not a mental health professional. Please do not treat the content of this video as medical advice.
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