Why Individuals Actively Choose to Believe in Lies.edited

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1 Why do people often actively choose to believe lies Name Unit Institution Affiliation Instructor Submission Date

2 Why do people often actively choose to believe lies Introduction Ultimately, there are different reasons why individuals constantly choose to believe in falsehoods. In this context, actively believing in lies may depend on active cognitive perceptions and recognition of believing in lies or subconsciously being affected by external dynamics that led to the situation. There are critical validations of why individuals actively believe in life with critical aspects such as confirmation bias and enhancement of emotional comfort. The other crucial factors include cognitive dissonance and the need for belonging and social identity. Essential elements, including fabrication inflation, transform how individuals process information based on how comfortable they feel in lying in similar situations. Focus on constantly believing in lies as part of defence mechanisms for individuals can also be a significant reason towards understanding the constant cycle of believing in lies where the defence mechanisms revolve around isolation repression of the information to protect cognitive perceptions idealization or the integration of denial elements. Subsequently, denial of reality, where the mental state chooses to subconsciously move away from a specific trauma or pain to protect themselves, is one of the critical dynamics for why individuals Believe in lies. Arguably, individuals believe in lies based on essential aspects such as cognitive dissonance, embedding defence mechanisms, the constant denial of reality, extensive misinformation, and fabrication inflation. However, the results may differ from one individual to the next. Cognitive Dissonance The state of cognitive dissonance is a major explanation of why individuals choose to believe in lies(Yahya & Sukmayadi, 2020). Cognitive dissonance can be used to identify

3 essential reasons and relevance to current social issues. A case in point is the cognitive perceptions and how individuals adapt to uncomfortable situations. Adaptation means that individuals constantly change their preconceived ideas, cultural values, and belief systems, making them susceptible to believing in lies. Inconsistent thoughts and attitudes help in understanding why people believe in lies. The inconsistency can also emanate from a lack of a constant logical thought process, which makes the individual susceptible to accepting lies. In this context, the foundations of cognitive dissonance can be essential in providing recommendations on mitigating the constant cycle of believing in lies. It is also integral in understanding how elements such as fabrication inflation can be mitigated to guarantee rational decision-making that will help constantly evaluate information and analysis based on the individual's belief systems, mitigating the constant cycle of believing in lies. Conversely, cognitive dissonance can also be used to identify how logical inconsistencies can be integral in understanding why individuals constantly choose to believe in lies (Yahya & Sukmayadi, 2020). Cognitive perceptions are integral in guiding actions and forming preconceived assertions, which means that logical inconsistencies affect rational decision-making and impede the formation of the correct values among individuals. Individuals who constantly seek to adapt to new situations whenever uncomfortable discussions arise may accept the choice of believing in lies based on cognitive dissonance definitions. To this effect, when faced with uncomfortable situations, individuals may adapt by forming new belief systems. Cognitive dissonance can be pegged as one of the critical elements that motivate change, and the change in beliefs can, therefore, be a reason to explain why individuals may constantly be wrapped up in a cycle of believing in lies. It can transform previously held institutions and value-based systems that guide rational decision-making (Yahya & Sukmayadi, 2020). Cognitive dissonance can, therefore, bring instances where

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4 individuals deflect authentic situations with adaptive situations or behaviours, which, therefore, cause them to believe in the constant cycle of lies. The element of cognitive dissonance can also be used to explain why individuals constantly choose to believe in lies through the analysis of trivialization. It, therefore, revolves around a deflective means where individuals deliberately decide to substitute the facts with positive changes to cover up any negative implications of believing in reality and truth(Yahya & Sukmayadi, 2020). The cognitive dissonance, therefore, creates tension and lack of ease, which is one of the significant aspects that can be used to understand why individuals would rather believe in lies they are told than face reality and truth. Nevertheless, it is an aspect that can be mitigated through the integration of consistent belief systems that do not constantly shift or adapt depending on situations to cover up reality or trivialize truthful situations with false positives to augment positive changes. In the contemporary world of easy access to information, it is vital to note that individuals are more susceptible to spreading fake news because of the existing social norms, the digitization of information, and the lack of verification mechanisms (Yahya & Sukmayadi, 2020). It, therefore, means that apart from the conventional confirmation bias of individuals, there is a constant element of choosing to believe lies based on society's values and embedded culture. The diversity in authorship means extensive levels of fabricated and distorted information. In contrast, the lack of verification mechanisms means that individuals are more susceptible to choosing to believe the lies. The focus should be on the verification mechanisms and constant efforts to add research to mitigate the loophole of constantly believing in lies. It is also an integral mechanism of eliminating confirmation bias among individuals, which is one of the stereotypical aspects that leads to continually believing in lies among individuals.

5 On the other hand, individuals will be more susceptible to believing lies based on information that places them in their comfort zone(Yahya & Sukmayadi, 2020). It, therefore, fuels cognitive dissonance based on the fear of challenging preconceived belief systems and cultural values. It is detrimental to incorporating changes that will mitigate falsehoods and embed truthful cognitive perceptions amongst individuals. Denial of Reality and Misinformation Conversely, constant misinformation and denial of reality is one of the explanations as to why individuals actively choose to believe in lies(Siebert & Siebert, 2023). Misinformation forms cognitive perceptions that impact decision-making and rationalization. In this context, it is vital to recognize how denial is seen as one of the ways of coping mechanisms where individuals deliberately choose to believe in liars as one of the ways to cope with previous trauma. It is embedded in how individuals rationalize very different perspectives and in the overall decision-making that views how cognitive perceptions affect the analysis of reality (Siebert & Siebert, 2023). A lack of rational decision-making leads to denial of reality. Beliefs, perseverance bias, and conceptualization of information impact how individuals process information and why they believe in lies. In this context, awareness of falsehoods based on inaccurate data may provide a string of irrational decision-making capabilities among individuals, leading individuals to believe in lies actively. Consistent misinformation is detrimental to rational decision-making, which may lead to enhanced denial of reality, making it acceptable for individuals to believe in lies constantly. Recognizing the belief perseverance bias and its impact on individuals constantly believing in lies is vital. The conceptualization of data is subjective to different kinds of interpretation, which adds to how misinterpretation of information contributes to the constant state of individuals believing in lies.

6 Reflexive controls in the construction of reality are vital in how they impact the visualization of ideas and cognitive perceptions of individuals. In this context, the propaganda that enhances misinformation is integral to understanding why individuals constantly choose to believe in lies(Till, 2020). Individuals need to construct new realities based on inaccurate information, which adds to the mental aspect of the consistency in which individuals believe in lies. In this context, misinformation remains integral in why individuals constantly choose to believe in lies. It is vital to recognize the impact of propaganda on decision-making capabilities and capacities where the integrated misinformation leads to persistent belief in lies and a failure of the effort to debunk the lies already established. The dynamics are detrimental to rational decision-making, and enhancing consistent falsehoods diminishes the application of the truth. Believing in lies and defence mechanisms Additionally, people constantly and actively believe in lies as one of the defence mechanisms(Di Giuseppe & Perry, 2021). Actively believing in lies can be a defence mechanism against previous trauma. In this context, it is vital to note that there are different reactions towards external and internal stress and individual reactions that impact emotional conflict(Di Giuseppe & Perry, 2021). Using lies as defence mechanisms is part of the emotional controls that negatively affect individuals' decision-making. The constant deflections of truth and rational information to safeguard emotional conflict and internal stress levels can validate why individuals constantly believe in lies. Therefore, it is a defence mechanism embedded to ensure protection against previous trauma or unforeseen or unprecedented actions. Consequently, it remains integral for individuals to mitigate their problems by handling previous trauma or recognizing the challenges that may impede

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7 rational decision-making or optimal analysis of information to mitigate against believing in lies. Understanding psychodynamic concepts, such as immature, mature, and neurotic defence mechanisms, essentially means understanding the foundations of why individuals actively believe lies(Di Giuseppe & Perry, 2021). There is a wide range of defence mechanisms, including denial isolation of information or the integration of cognitive aspects such as Repression of information. Therefore, the different defence mechanisms will lead individuals to react differently to lies despite the subconscious knowledge, enabling them to ensure protection while mitigating unprecedented or unforeseen dangers that evoke previous trauma. Recognizing the defence mechanisms and enhancing cognitive alertness towards the coping and defence mechanisms will be integral in mitigating the constant cycle of believing in lies. Therefore, psychodynamic contexts would be integral in understanding why individuals believe in lies based on psychological perspectives, creating instances where mitigation is based on understanding the neuroscientific functions. Scientific Explanations of why people believe in lies Mitigation of the problems of why individuals actively choose to believe in lies can be done using neuroscientific explanations (Comaford, 2020). Understanding the levels of self- awareness can be essential in identifying cognitive perceptions of individuals who actively choose to believe in lies. Extensive levels of self-awareness can create mental fortitude that can be integral in mitigating the constant belief in lies. Understanding the motivations and foundations behind the choices will be vital for providing enhanced recommendations. The neuroscientific solutions of why individuals lie will also help understand cognitive perceptions and thought processes of active choice to believe in lies (Comaford, 2020). The rationale of why individuals feel compelled to make up stories to validate different

8 perceptions can be integral in understanding why individuals constantly believe in lies. It is also an integral aspect in providing recommendations based on the neuroscientific explanations of the intellectual role of different sections of the brain and sections of the brain that enhance anxiety, where individuals protect agonist elements such as anxiety through believing in falsehoods. Understanding the neuroscience behind why individuals tell lies is vital and integral to understanding the mitigating factors(Comaford, 2020). The receptiveness of lies also depends on why individuals choose to expose the lies. A case in point is the constant belief in lies based on the sources trailing the lies because of altruistic reasons. Individuals will often believe in lies intended to protect them and their feelings from being hurt, which creates a constant battle between the validity of the truth and the intention to accept lies as one of the defence mechanisms. For instance, the brain's frontal lobe can be integral in Suppressing levels of dishonesty to protect the cognitive elements. A case in point is the intellectual drawing of the frontal lobe, which neuroscience believes can constantly be trained to suppress attempts towards accepting lies or standing for the truth. Subsequently, understanding the role of the limbic system within the brain can also be integral in understanding why individuals constantly choose to believe in lies. A case in point is that the limbic system is related towards the detection of anxiety; therefore, individuals who sense a lack of truth in the information may regress towards integrating defence mechanisms such as denial or idealization to believe in alternative information to mitigate the anxiety. It can also be embedded through trivialization, where positive falsehoods ensure that the brain and the individual's feelings are projected despite the constant belief in lies. Confirmation Bias

9 Additionally, confirmation bias is one of the main reasons individuals actively believe in lies(Modgil et al., 2021). It is integral to note that individuals will constantly seek information and engage in discourse that will help in the authentification of already- established belief systems. There is a constant drive to reaffirm the previously held convictions that believe that attitudes make individuals acceptable to constantly and actively believe in lies. Mitigation of the challenge requires continuous evaluation of credible information and rationalized decision-making. It is a critical dynamic because it ensures constant auditing of information and lists frequency biases, eliminating the loophole of constantly believing in lies. The choice to believe in lies intended to enhance confirmation bias may also be detrimental to creating affirmation of stereotypes and other prejudiced perceptions. Cognitive perceptions are influenced by previously headed information and beliefs that value; therefore, affirmation enhances belief in falsehoods (Modgil et al., 2021). In the contemporary world, where there is easy access to information, ensuring an improved comparison of information elements can be evaluated based on previously experienced or held beliefs is valid. Confirmation bias can be mitigated by rationally analyzing information while being open-minded to accept new points of view(Modgil et al., 2021). Nevertheless, despite the hope of mitigating confirmation bias, it requires motivation and effort by the individual to constantly identify alternative information that will validate their points of view and cognitive perceptions previously held. Confirmation bias is based on the deliberate actions of an individual to analyze and disseminate information based on previously held beliefs and values. The inherent convictions of discounting credible information are, therefore, detrimental to objectivity, which can help in understanding why individuals constantly and actively choose to believe in lies. Consequently, it brings forth a polarisation of ideas and audiences.

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10 On the other hand, social norms play a critical role in why individuals may constantly choose to believe in lies. A case in point is the integration of contemporary aspects, such as social media, as one of the significant sources of information(Modgil et al., 2021). The lack of verification of the information sources and the normalcy of information dissemination may lead to instances where there is minimal verification of information, and individuals view half of the research information as the norm. It, therefore, means that there is an extensive supply chain of participants in the information dissemination where the information is constantly altered, and the long chain needed to verify the information limits the need to research verifiable sources(Modgil et al., 2021). It, therefore, makes individuals more susceptible to believing in their lies instead of making efforts to mitigate falsehoods. It is consequently vital for individuals to be aware of false information sources, which can help mitigate the problem of being susceptible to constantly believing in lies. Subsequently, there is the element of echo chambers. In the contemporary world, there is a constant element where individuals consume content that is more likely to support their opinions than engage in research or discourse intended to validate authentic information. Easy access to information is also an element that enhances susceptibility towards constantly believing in lies(Modgil et al., 2021). It has, therefore, impacted the cognitive perceptions of individuals with easy access to information that will support different cognitive perceptions already preconceived by the individual. Consequently, it requires constant efforts by individuals to disseminate valid sources and information towards the already preconceived biases to ensure rational and objective decision-making (Modgil et al., 2021). It will also increase mental fortitude towards believing in lies and form an audit mechanism in the cognitive perceptions embedded in the individual's values and belief systems. It will also mitigate the constant adaptation and trivialization of information where falsehoods are

11 embedded to transform negative situations into positive change, leading to constant belief in lies. It is critical to note that contemporary information supply chains are increasingly digitizing. It, therefore, creates instances where there are extensive participants in the digitized information and easy access to information, meaning that individuals are more likely to find participants with the same points of view. Contemporary access to information has a negative impact that limits a focus on authenticity and valid reports instead of emphasizing righteousness(Modgil et al., 2021). The need to be suitable instead of sourcing for truth means that individuals become more susceptible to believing in lies instead of engaging in constructive discourse that will enable objective and rational decision-making capabilities. There is also the impending problem of individuals subconsciously seeking information that will reaffirm prejudices, stereotypes, and biases. The readily available like- minded individuals may mean that individuals will be given information that will create already existing belief systems, which is detrimental to truthfulness. Although it can be mitigated by individuals constantly seeking information, it is vital to note that it is an element that can be identified as how individuals actively choose to believe in lies based on confirmation bias. Believe in lies based on manipulation. The lack of well-defined truths and loopholes of manipulation causes individuals to actively choose to believe in lies(Polage, 2017). In this context, misinformation and manipulation negatively affect individuals' cognitive perceptions and destroy previously held beliefs and values. Individuals must ensure that the information they obtain can be validated and authenticated before converting it to traditional thought or creating actionable information based on the obtained data. One reason individuals actively believe in lies is the

12 failure to authenticate credible information or the inability to identify manipulative information. Despite the constant information dissemination of success that is not verified and validated, individuals can embed their strategies to mitigate the different lies thrown at them. The aspect can be reduced by individuals understanding the sources of information and educating themselves on the credibility of information before believing it to be false or credible.it is a critical aspect because, with the contemporary dynamics regarding easy access to information, there are higher chances of manipulation. A case in point is the integration of social media platforms with the autonomy to post and author information that can easily lack verification. There are also extensive levels of manipulation through propaganda, meaning that individuals should constantly vet the information they obtain and reduce believing the information at face value, which is one of the elements that can be taken in mitigating manipulation and reducing the constant belief in lies. According to Polage, telling lies may lead to confusion based on the veracity of the telling of the lies and the subsequent impact only on the cognitive perceptions of individuals(Polage, 2017). It, therefore, means that the constant telling of lies may affect the belief system of individuals, which then provides levels of confusion that are augmented with cognitive dissonance. Consequently, it can be used to explain why individuals choose to believe in lies despite initial beliefs of truth foundations constantly. Therefore, it remains critical to understand why individuals believe in lies based on how the lie is told and how the information is communicated to individuals. Individuals should tackle information based on the validity of their sources and constantly verify information with already pre-established belief systems, which will be an integral aspect in creating consistency in the validation of information.

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13 On the other hand, it is critical not to be an element of publication inflation concerning how individuals constantly believe in lies(Polage, 2017). A case in point is that individuals who are more comfortable lying will also transform their cognitive dissonance to be more vulnerable to believing their self-generated lies and accepting lies from different sources(Polage, 2017). The difference between an individual's belief system and the truth dynamics in different situations can also be used to understand why individuals believe in other lies. It is, therefore, vital for individuals to be aware and cognizant of the information sources while also integrating the ability to choose the belief systems, which would be integral in minimizing fabrication inflation, creating mitigation against constantly believing in lies. Conclusion In conclusion, despite the individual's cognitive grit, it is vital to note that individuals actively had to believe in lies constantly. The foundations of why individuals constantly believe in falsehoods are integral in providing mitigating factors. In this context, it is vital to analyze critical aspects such as cognitive dissonance, embedding defence mechanisms, the constant denial of reality, extensive misinformation and fabrication inflation. However, the results may differ from one individual to the next. Understanding critical aspects such as confirmation bias is integral in contemporary society because there has been a shift in social norms. Instead of individuals seeking discourse to validate truthful information, there is a constant effort to identify information that will reaffirm existing points of view. Understanding the neuroscientific explanations of why individuals constantly believe in lies will also help understand the foundations of cognitive dissonance and how they can be mitigated. Although auditing of valid information and information sources may be different, it is valid to note that debunking false information requires constant efforts and open-

14 mindedness from the individuals while also focusing on reality despite previous trauma and anxiety. Consistency in rational decision-making can also be integral in eliminating logical inconsistencies and trivializing elements, which may constantly lead individuals to believe in lies.

15 References Comaford, C. (2020, October 16). Why we lie, and the neuroscience behind it . Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/christinecomaford/2020/10/17/why-we-lie-and-the- neuroscience-behind-it/?sh=2431df477d7c Di Giuseppe, M., & Perry, J. C. (2021). The hierarchy of Defense Mechanisms: Assessing defensive functioning with the defence mechanisms rating scales Q-sort. Frontiers in Psychology , 12 . https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.718440 Modgil, S., Singh, R. K., Gupta, S., & Dennehy, D. (2021). A confirmation bias view on social media induced polarisation during COVID-19. Information Systems Frontiers . https://doi.org/10.1007/s10796-021-10222-9 Polage, D. (2017). The effect of telling lies on belief in the truth. Europe’s Journal of Psychology , 13 (4), 633–644. https://doi.org/10.5964/ejop.v13i4.1422 Siebert, J., & Siebert, J. U. (2023). Effective mitigation of the belief perseverance bias after retracting misinformation: Awareness Training and counter-speech. PLOS ONE , 18 (3). https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0282202 Till, C. (2020). Propaganda through 'reflexive control' and the mediated construction of reality. New Media & Society , 23 (6), 1362–1378. https://doi.org/10.1177/1461444820902446

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16 Walton, A. G. (2020, February 2). A new study finds people may lie to appear more honest . Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/alicegwalton/2020/01/31/do-you-lie-to-appear- honest-new-study-looks-at-the-phenomenon/ Yahya, A. H., & Sukmayadi, V. (2020). A review of cognitive dissonance theory and its relevance to current social issues. MIMBAR : Jurnal Sosial Dan Pembangunan , 36 (2). https://doi.org/10.29313/mimbar.v36i2.6652

Why Individuals Actively Choose to Believe in Lies.edited

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