Why Do People Reject Facts and Turn to Comfortable Lies?
Humans have never been as rational as people like to believe. Denial of reality in favor of personal beliefs has existed as long as human history. In this article, we will explore the reasons why people might stop believing in facts and turn to comfortable lies. We will also discuss the implications of this trend and how it affects society.
Belief vs. Reality
People often reject facts when they become inconvenient. When facts don't align with one’s preconceptions, they tend to ignore or deny those facts. For example, racists might prefer to ignore evidence that discredits their beliefs, as acknowledging such evidence would weaken their arguments. This tendency to hold onto false beliefs can be harmful and can lead to misinformation and discrimination.
Complexity of Reality
Another reason why people reject facts is the complexity of reality. Reality is complex, and people prefer simple, easy-to-understand answers. However, when it comes to big topics, any straightforward answer is likely to be too simple or too nuanced. People either fail to understand the real answers or find the simple but incorrect answer more persuasive. The complexity of issues like climate change, healthcare, and international politics can make it challenging to come up with clear, actionable solutions. This complexity can often be exploited by individuals or groups with ulterior motives to push simplistic and misleading narratives.
Trust in Influential Figures
People are often lied to by influential individuals or groups. This doesn't mean that everyone is a liar; however, the more influential someone is, the more likely they are to deceive for personal gain. Politicians, for example, are supposed to represent the will of the people, but often prioritize their own interests over those of the electorate. When people are exposed to continuous lies and misinformation, they become more likely to distrust anyone, including truth. This has contributed to a general erosion of trust in institutions and media, making it even harder to dispel myths and misperceptions.
Dumbing Down of America
There is a significant trend toward simplifying complex issues into appealing but inaccurate narratives. This phenomenon, often associated with media outlets like Fox News, simplifies reality and makes it easy for people to follow a comforting lie rather than grapple with the complexities of real-life issues. This trend not only distorts reality but also reinforces existing biases and prejudices.
The Issue with the Term "Fact"
It's essential to understand the difference between a fact and a belief. A fact is a thing that is known or proved to be true. However, many people use the term "fact" to mean "a thing that is believed to be true." This can lead to confusion and miscommunication. For instance, in religion and politics, what individuals believe to be true may not be demonstrably true. For a statement to be a fact, it must be verifiable or provable. One must accept a fact or not accept it; belief is not required. Facts can either be proven to be true or questionable, but they cannot be merely replaced with another fact without evidence.
Changing Reality with the Internet
The internet has both positive and negative implications for the spread of facts and beliefs. On one hand, it provides a platform for information sharing and can help debunk myths and disinformation. On the other hand, it can also amplify false narratives and echo chambers. However, history and the construct of human psychology show that people will gravitate towards convenient lies instead of inconvenient truths whenever possible. This tendency is as old as society itself and is not likely to change with the advent of new technology.
Understanding the reasons why people turn away from facts is crucial for building a more informed and rational society. By recognizing these trends and addressing the underlying issues, we can work towards a more transparent and fact-based environment.