There’s a lot of info out there. Millions of books, billions of web pages, uncounted hours of TV shows and radio. We only have time to take in a bit of it – and it seems we really like to hear the things we already think are true.A new study, led by researchers at the University of Illinois and University of Florida, found that people tend to avoid information that contradicts what they already think or believe – whether it’s true or not. It turns out we’re twice as likely to select information that supports our own point of view, as to consider an opposing idea.
And those with closed-minded personalities are even more selectively blind – they’re 75% likely to opt for the information that corresponds to their views.
On the other hand, those who are really confident of their views, and willing to debate them, have no problem with opposing information. In the process, they often find that their own views evolve, and they reach a better understanding of themselves and the issues involved.
So try to read (or watch, or listen to) something that really bugs you every once in a while, okay? You never know how it could change your life.
