The Tightrope of Cognitive Dissonance
What is Cognitive Dissonance?
Cognitive dissonance refers to the psychological discomfort experienced when an individual holds contradictory beliefs or values, or when their actions are inconsistent with their beliefs. It is a state of internal conflict that arises when there is a mismatch between attitudes and behavior, which often leads to feelings of tension, anxiety, or unease. Resolving cognitive dissonance involves either changing one’s beliefs or behaviors to create consistency, or rationalizing and justifying the situation to alleviate the discomfort.
Del Bigtree’s Message: A Fearful Serenade
Cognitive dissonance often arises in the messaging of Del Bigtree. He wields the power of persuasion with charismatic authority, all without the credentials of a medical professional. His message is clear but contentious: vaccines can be safer, and there are hidden dangers within the medical establishment.
It is difficult to argue the latter; there are hidden dangers within the medical establishment, but there is no clear path to safer vaccines.
Del’s narratives resonate with those who question the status quo. His skillful blend of partial truths and fear-mongering serves as an unsettling serenade. He plays the notes of doubt, painting a grim picture of vaccines as a looming threat.
This melody resonates with the anti-vaccine and vaccine-hesitant, sowing the seeds of discord within their minds. The danger is that he sets himself as an authority on the subject, and so many people flock to him that if he said, “This is the vaccine to trust,” his followers would run out and get it.
Deception In The Echo Chamber
Del Bigtree’s unique deception lies in his ability to exploit this cognitive dissonance. He deftly caters to his audience’s fears and doubts while offering himself as a beacon of clarity in the fog of uncertainty. His messages shift with the crowd’s desires, mirroring their beliefs while maintaining an authoritative facade.
He portrays himself as a truth-teller, a champion of safer vaccines, even when the Supreme Court acknowledges vaccines as “unavoidably unsafe.” This intentional manipulation amplifies cognitive dissonance as his followers grapple with his ever-evolving narrative.
