Backfire Effect: A Common Phenomenon in Psychology#
Have you ever encountered a situation like this? You clearly mean well, earnestly trying to persuade someone to change a mistaken viewpoint, but instead of listening, they become more stubborn and even develop a dislike for you. You might feel wronged: "I am clearly right, why won't they listen?" In fact, this is not about the other person being "unreasonable," but rather a common phenomenon in psychology known as the "backfire effect."
Imagine you are discussing a hot topic with a friend, such as "Is drinking hot water really good for your health?" You cite references and present facts to persuade them to accept your viewpoint. However, the other person becomes increasingly impatient and eventually directly counters, "I think drinking cold water is fine; you are being too serious!" At that moment, you might feel frustrated and even doubt if you did something wrong.
In reality, your issue is not whether your viewpoint is correct, but how you express it. Psychological research shows that when we try to forcibly correct someone else's mistaken viewpoint, it often triggers their psychological defense mechanisms, leading them to cling more firmly to their position. This is the power of the "backfire effect."
1. What is the "Backfire Effect"?#
The "backfire effect" is a concept in psychology that refers to the phenomenon where attempting to persuade someone to accept a viewpoint can actually provoke a stronger opposition from them, even causing them to develop aversion and distrust towards information that was originally correct. In simple terms, "the more you correct, the more stubborn they become." The root of this phenomenon lies in our psychological defense mechanisms. When we hear information that contradicts our viewpoints, our brains instinctively generate resistance, trying to protect our cognitive frameworks from being disrupted. This defense mechanism is known in psychology as "cognitive dissonance." To avoid cognitive dissonance, people often choose to ignore, deny, or even attack information that conflicts with their viewpoints.
2. Why Does the "Backfire Effect" Occur?#
- Psychological Defense Mechanisms: When we feel that our viewpoints are threatened, our brains automatically activate defense mechanisms to protect our cognitive frameworks. This defense mechanism makes us more stubborn and even refuse to accept any information that contradicts our viewpoints.
- Sense of Self-Identity: Our viewpoints are often closely tied to our sense of self-identity. When others try to change our viewpoints, we feel that our self-identity is threatened, leading to strong resistance.
- Credibility of Information: If the source of information is unreliable or the expression is too forceful, people often become skeptical and may even outright deny it.
3. How to Avoid the "Backfire Effect"?#
- Build Trust: Before trying to persuade others, first establish a trusting relationship. Only when the other person trusts you will they be more willing to accept your viewpoint.
- Listen and Empathize: Before expressing your own viewpoint, listen to the other person's thoughts and show empathy. This can make them feel respected, thereby reducing their psychological defense mechanisms.
- Gentle Expression: Avoid using overly forceful or accusatory language; instead, express your viewpoint in a gentle and open manner. This makes it easier for the other person to accept.
- Provide Choices: Do not try to forcibly change the other person's viewpoint; instead, offer multiple choices and let them make their own decisions. This can reduce their resistance.