Maybe, what if the Backfire Effect is simply what happens when a predictive system faces an existential update? In an Open World, we constantly revise predictions based on evidence. But some beliefs aren't just predictions – they're fundamental structures for our identity. When evidence threatens those core predictions, the system faces a choice: collapse the entire model or reject the evidence. The Backfire Effect isn't weakness – it's a predictive system choosing structural integrity over accuracy. The irony is that in the long run, this 'protection' is exactly what keeps people stuck.
I think that's why defending your stand point feels more natural than admitting fault, because that belief is you,a foundational structure of your identity and until one learns to update you always remain in the old version.
Maybe it's not really about defending identity – it's about the cost of updating your model. A contradiction doesn't just challenge a belief; it signals that your model is wrong. Fixing that requires real cognitive and physical resources: time, energy, attention. For humans, this is amplified chemically – stress hormones, emotional pain – making the update literally unbearable. So, the system takes the cheaper route: ignore the contradiction. Rational in the short term, catastrophic in the long run.
In that case, the solution is not to fight against self/non-self boundaries – but to consistently accept that we don't know reality; we only have models. Every model is incomplete. And that's fine – in fact, it's good to encounter contradictions, because they help us make our models better.
Been constantly going back to a relationship where, I've seen since the beginning. which has been 5yrs now and continue to believe.....hell change. I have moments of clarity but continue to believe his words. I think ow it's just comes down to Fear. I want to move forward although I excuse my Heart and I know feelings aren't Facts. Today I will do something different.
Acceptance isn’t weakness; resisting reality can be dangerous. Human nature often clings to comfort, creating an illusion that we are always right, even when we aren’t. But once we accept reality, we reach the greatest conclusion: knowing and accepting the problem is, in itself, the solution.
Maybe, what if the Backfire Effect is simply what happens when a predictive system faces an existential update? In an Open World, we constantly revise predictions based on evidence. But some beliefs aren't just predictions – they're fundamental structures for our identity. When evidence threatens those core predictions, the system faces a choice: collapse the entire model or reject the evidence. The Backfire Effect isn't weakness – it's a predictive system choosing structural integrity over accuracy. The irony is that in the long run, this 'protection' is exactly what keeps people stuck.
I think that's why defending your stand point feels more natural than admitting fault, because that belief is you,a foundational structure of your identity and until one learns to update you always remain in the old version.
Maybe it's not really about defending identity – it's about the cost of updating your model. A contradiction doesn't just challenge a belief; it signals that your model is wrong. Fixing that requires real cognitive and physical resources: time, energy, attention. For humans, this is amplified chemically – stress hormones, emotional pain – making the update literally unbearable. So, the system takes the cheaper route: ignore the contradiction. Rational in the short term, catastrophic in the long run.
In that case, the solution is not to fight against self/non-self boundaries – but to consistently accept that we don't know reality; we only have models. Every model is incomplete. And that's fine – in fact, it's good to encounter contradictions, because they help us make our models better.
this helped a lot. thank you.
Been constantly going back to a relationship where, I've seen since the beginning. which has been 5yrs now and continue to believe.....hell change. I have moments of clarity but continue to believe his words. I think ow it's just comes down to Fear. I want to move forward although I excuse my Heart and I know feelings aren't Facts. Today I will do something different.
Thank you ❤️🫂
This was a great read!
Saying 'I am wrong' often feels like weakness but growth dictates learning, understanding and accommodating what's true.
Acceptance isn’t weakness; resisting reality can be dangerous. Human nature often clings to comfort, creating an illusion that we are always right, even when we aren’t. But once we accept reality, we reach the greatest conclusion: knowing and accepting the problem is, in itself, the solution.
I choose growth over ego
"I choose growth over ego ”.❤️