Topic - Challenging Political Beliefs
When your political beliefs are challenged, you feel attacked because, like religion, these beliefs are part of your personal identity.
When political beliefs are challenged the “default mode network” engages.
The default mode network is the “inner world” of self-reflection, thinking about your past and future and personal identity.
The attention network kicks in when we focus on the external world. Why is this dangerous to our society?
Because to consider another view, you have to consider another view of yourself which causes severe anxiety which then causes us to discount evidence and dig in our heels.
These challenges are perceived by the brain as threats. Then the brain activates adrenalin which is the protector.
This dynamic happens in people on both sides of the aisle.
I’m not saying to avoid political debate. Just know what you’re getting into before you go down the rabbit hole.
