The psychological phenomenon of "hearing what you want to hear" or confirmation bias, where people selectively attend to information confirming their existing beliefs while ignoring contradictory evidence, is a common and well-documented aspect of human cognition.

Here's a more detailed explanation:

Confirmation Bias: This bias occurs when individuals favor information that aligns with their pre-existing beliefs or values, and they tend to dismiss or downplay information that contradicts them.
Selective Attention: People often focus on information that confirms their beliefs, while ignoring or downplaying information that challenges them.
Interpretation: Even when presented with contradictory information, individuals may interpret it in a way that supports their existing beliefs, rather than acknowledging the evidence against them.

Examples:

A person who believes that a particular political party is corrupt may only watch news channels that support their view and ignore news from other sources.
Someone who believes that a certain type of food is unhealthy may only pay attention to articles that confirm their belief, even if other sources suggest the food is healthy.

Why it happens:

Cognitive Efficiency: Confirmation bias can be seen as a way for the brain to simplify information processing and maintain a coherent world view.
Emotional Comfort: Holding onto beliefs that align with one's worldview can provide a sense of comfort and reduce cognitive dissonance.
Social Dynamics: In some cases, confirmation bias can be used to reinforce group identity and maintain social cohesion.

Impact:

Misinformation: Confirmation bias can make people more susceptible to misinformation and propaganda.
Polarization: It can contribute to increased polarization and difficulty in engaging in productive dialogue.
Poor Decision-Making: It can lead to biased decision-making and hinder the ability to learn from mistakes.

Overcoming Confirmation Bias:
- Seek Diverse Perspectives: Actively seek out information from different sources and consider different viewpoints.
- Be Open to Criticism: Be willing to consider arguments that challenge your beliefs and be open to changing your mind.
- Question Your Assumptions: Regularly examine your own biases and assumptions to identify areas where you may be prone to confirmation bias.
- Practice Empathy: Try to understand the perspectives of people who hold different beliefs than you.

this whole post minus the images are google ai. For once it seems to have got the bullet points right. Scotty.

[1] https://keithwebb.com/you-hear-what-you-want-to-hear/

[2] https://www.quora.com/Why-do-people-tell-you-what-they-think-you-want-to-hear

[3] https://thevectorimpact.com/notions-that-hold-you-back/

[4] https://today.uconn.edu/2022/08/cognitive-biases-and-brain-biology-help-explain-why-facts-dont-change-minds-2/

[5] https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/psychologists/what-is-confirmation-bias-psychology/

[6] https://fight-dis.info/Understanding-the-Psychology-of-Misinformation.html

[7] https://www.drannetteermshar.com/the-psychology-of-conspiracy-theories-understanding-the-cognitive-and-social-factors-behind-widespread-beliefs/

[8] https://www.quora.com/How-come-wed-rather-listen-to-people-who-dont-know-than-people-who-do-know

[9] https://dmnews.com/dan-people-who-are-easily-swayed-by-misinformation-usually-display-these-behaviors-according-to-psychology/

[SMIRK] Thats perfect for my blog on: psychology they are saying what I want to hear https://t.co/gf8usZCzmb
— Scotty (@StLHandyMan) March 24, 2025

“People lie all the time. It’s just that instead of telling fake stories, they conveniently omit parts of the truth that bother them.” — @mentalcodex https://t.co/1rh1bhKP8g
— Scotty (@StLHandyMan) March 24, 2025

“We feel more than we think. This is why most commercial arguments prioritize appealing to our feelings rather than our logic.” — @mentalcodex https://t.co/1rh1bhKP8g
— Scotty (@StLHandyMan) March 24, 2025

“No system can cure the way humans organize themselves. Strong exploit weak and there is absolutely nothing you can do about it.” — @mentalcodex https://t.co/1rh1bhKP8g
— Scotty (@StLHandyMan) March 24, 2025

“A good reputation doesn’t mean they’re a good person. It means they’re good concealers. Everyone’s hiding dirty unavoidable secrets.” — @mentalcodex https://t.co/p6krqbv8iV?
— Scotty (@StLHandyMan) March 24, 2025

Copyright Disclaimer under Section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purpose such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favour of fair use.