Hidden Brain Podcast – Outsmarting Yourself

Intro

In this episode of the “Hidden Brain Podcast” titled “Outsmarting Yourself,” host Shankar Vedantam explores the concept of cognitive dissonance and how our minds justify our actions. Through various experiments and real-life examples, we learn how cognitive dissonance affects our decision-making process and how it can be used as a tool for behavior change.

Main Takeaways

Understanding Cognitive Dissonance

• We have two selves: the self that knows what the right thing is to do and ourselves.
• We often act impulsively despite knowing what we should do.
• Cognitive dissonance is the difficulty of holding contrasting thoughts in our heads.
• We are all master storytellers and invent stories that reduce our cognitive dissonance.

The Pyramid of Choice Experiment

• The pyramid of choice experiment is an experiment on cheating where two people make different decisions and slide down opposite sides of a pyramid.
• The base of the pyramid represents diametrically different views about cheating.
• Whether you decide to cheat or not to cheat, you experience cognitive dissonance.
• People justify their actions to sleep well at night, whether they cheat or not.

Using Cognitive Dissonance for Positive Behavior Change

• Cognitive dissonance can be a tool to accomplish important goals.
• Reduction of cognitive dissonance through behavior change can lead to long-lasting results.
• Getting people to convince others to use condoms can lead to them convincing themselves to use condoms.
• The hypocrisy paradigm can be used to change behavior by making people aware of their hypocritical behavior.

Applying Cognitive Dissonance in Personal Relationships

• Cognitive dissonance theory is present in personal relationships and marriages.
• Writing an autobiography can be a great learning experience but beware of the trap of self-presentation.
• Failures to examine this process can be seen in other people’s autobiographies.

Summary

Understanding Cognitive Dissonance

Cognitive dissonance is the discomfort we feel when our actions conflict with our beliefs about ourselves, leading us to justify our actions to reduce the discomfort. We often act impulsively despite knowing what the right thing is to do. Our minds are skilled at inventing stories that reduce our cognitive dissonance and help us sleep well at night.

The Pyramid of Choice Experiment

The pyramid of choice experiment is an interesting experiment on cheating. Two people make different decisions about cheating and slide down opposite sides of a pyramid. The base of the pyramid represents diametrically different views about cheating. Regardless of the decision made, cognitive dissonance is experienced and justifications are created to reduce the discomfort. This experiment highlights how our minds come up with justifications for our actions, whether they are morally right or wrong.

Using Cognitive Dissonance for Positive Behavior Change

Cognitive dissonance can be a powerful tool for behavior change. By reducing cognitive dissonance through behavior change, individuals can achieve long-lasting results. For example, getting people to convince others to use condoms can lead to them convincing themselves to use condoms as well. The hypocrisy paradigm, which makes people aware of their hypocritical behavior, can also be used to change behavior. Publicly declaring support for a cause makes people feel hypocritical if they don’t follow through, leading to behavior change.

Applying Cognitive Dissonance in Personal Relationships

Cognitive dissonance theory is not limited to individual decision-making but also applies to personal relationships and marriages. Understanding how cognitive dissonance affects our relationships can help us navigate conflicts and maintain healthier connections. Additionally, when writing an autobiography, it’s important to question ourselves and avoid the trap of self-presentation. Examining our own biases and failures can lead to a more honest and insightful autobiography.

Conclusion

Cognitive dissonance is a fascinating aspect of human psychology that influences our decision-making and justifications for our actions. By understanding how cognitive dissonance works, we can become more aware of our own biases and make more informed choices. Additionally, cognitive dissonance can be harnessed as a tool for positive behavior change, both on an individual and societal level. So the next time you find yourself justifying your actions, take a moment to reflect on the role of cognitive dissonance in your decision-making process.