Backfire effect

The backfire effect is a cognitive bias that manifests when individuals faced with evidence contradicting their beliefs not only resist changing their perspective but may also strengthen their original belief. This anomaly highlights the complexity of human cognition where reason and rational evidence do not always align with changing deeply rooted convictions.

How it works

When people are presented with facts or evidence that challenge their strongly held beliefs, the expected rational reaction is to alter their beliefs to align with the new information. However, the backfire effect demonstrates the opposite, with individuals doubling down on their existing beliefs. This occurs due to a combination of confirmation bias, where individuals favor information that confirms their preconceptions, together with emotional and psychological factors driving a defense against perceived threats to one's worldview.

Examples

• 1. In politics, when supporters of a political figure are presented with evidence of misconduct, rather than accepting it, they may become stauncher in their support.
• 2. In medicine, individuals skeptical about vaccines may become more certain of their beliefs after learning about studies on vaccine efficacy and safety.
• 3. In personal relationships, when confronted with evidence of a partner’s infidelity, some people might intensify their trust in the partner instead of accepting the evidence.

Consequences

The backfire effect can lead to increased polarization in society as groups become even more entrenched in their views. It diminishes the effectiveness of fact-based discourse and can hinder constructive debate on important issues. In decision-making, it can cause organizations or individuals to stick to detrimental policies or actions, ignoring evidence that suggests necessary changes.

Counteracting

To counteract the backfire effect, it’s important to employ strategies that mitigate defensiveness. This can include framing corrective information in a non-confrontational manner, enlightening rather than arguing, and creating environments that encourage open-mindedness. Additionally, helping individuals to process information through an emotional and personal connection rather than just presenting raw facts may diminish resistance to worldview changes.

Critiques

Some researchers argue that the backfire effect is not as widespread or robust as originally thought, suggesting that it might be context-dependent or exaggerated in certain studies. Recent studies suggest the effect might not be as prevalent, especially when corrective information is presented after an individual's beliefs have softened or with an emotional appeal.

Fields of Impact

Also known as

Relevant Research

• When Corrections Fail: The persistence of political misperceptions

  Nyhan, B., & Reifler, J. (2010)

  , Political Behavior

• Debunking Handbook

  Cook, J., & Lewandowsky, S. (2011)

  , University of Queensland