Have you ever felt a knot in your stomach when you do something that doesn’t match your beliefs?
That’s cognitive dissonance—the uncomfortable feeling you get when your actions, thoughts, or beliefs don’t line up.
It’s like your mind is in a tug-of-war, and the result can lead to big changes in how we think or behave.
Cognitive Dissonance in Radicalisation
In the world of extremism, cognitive dissonance plays a huge role. When people are part of extremist groups, they often face information that challenges their beliefs. This can cause that uncomfortable mental clash. To avoid the discomfort, instead of changing their views, people often double down on their beliefs—even when they know something isn’t quite right.
Here’s how it works:
Double Down: When beliefs are challenged, instead of questioning them, people might cling to their ideas even more. They find ways to justify their actions, ignore evidence that doesn’t fit their views, or distance themselves from others who disagree.
Group Pressure: Extremist groups create environments where questioning the group's ideas is seen as a bad thing. People feel pressured to stay loyal and not show doubt, which only strengthens their radical beliefs.
Isolation: As people get deeper into extremism, they often cut ties with friends and family who don’t share their views. This isolation creates an echo chamber, making their radical ideas even more solid.
The Danger
This process can trap individuals in a dangerous cycle. The more they try to avoid the discomfort of cognitive dissonance, the more they rely on the group for validation, and the further they drift from reality. This leads them deeper into radicalisation, making it harder to break free.
Want to learn more or find out how to counter this cycle?
Visit the Government's Educate Against Hate website. There, you’ll find helpful resources on how to protect students from radicalisation, build resilience, and promote shared values in our communities.
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