Ken Hurley
I remember in 1964 I had two opinions — I didn’t like Barry Goldwater or lima beans. My parents liked both lima beans and Barry Goldwater. I still do not like either today. But why? Why at an early age did I dispute my parents’ preferences about the significance of lima beans? And, Goldwater, too?
Why is the sunrise considered a beautiful way to begin the day by so many people? I was asked this question by someone not too long ago. Before I replied, I asked, “Do you think the sunrise is beautiful?” Maybe. Sometimes. Came the response. Not much emotion. And, no real opinion. It was quite stunning, the depth of wishy-washy that exuded regarding the sunrise. Yet, the difficulty we have forming our opinions, making them known in a manner that can be heard and understood, and maybe even respected, can be problematic. Ever wonder how indecision reflects on our ability to develop an opinion?
Ever sit with the wishy-washy in a restaurant and wait while they struggle with what to order from the menu? Ever stand in the grocery store trying to decide which kind of pretzels to purchase? Ever spend more time searching for something to watch on Netflix than actually the time it takes to watch? Ever wonder why billions of dollars are spent wooing the undecided voters? Ever wonder why there are so many “believers” who are easily angered?
Conversely, how many people do you know who are so rigid in their opinions that they cannot or will not consider facts or new information?
Decisions for us humans are usually multiple choices, not yes or no, ones and zeros.
Well, we are a fortunate species because we humans have a limbic system! You know, that group of brain structures that process emotions, fear, rage, anxiety, love, joy, happiness, memory, motivation, and help regulate our behavior. Oh, limbic. We like you.
Turns out that our emotions significantly influence opinion formation. Emotions such as fear, anger, and hope can powerfully shape our beliefs and attitudes. Fear can lead to support for policies that promise security, even if those policies are ineffective or infringe on civil liberties. Anger can fuel strong opinions regarding social justice issues, motivating individuals to engage in activism and advocacy. Hope can inspire optimism and support for progressive change. The civil rights movement was fueled by both anger at racial injustice and hope for a more equitable future. The emotional resonance of these feelings played a crucial role in mobilizing public opinion and driving social change.
Opinion formation is a complex interplay of cognitive, emotional, and social factors. It’s a dynamic process, constantly shaped and reshaped by new information, personal experiences, and the influence of others. The process by which individuals develop their beliefs and attitudes is derived by how they form their opinions.
One of the primary drivers of opinion formation is exposure to information. The news media, in its various forms — from traditional newspapers and television to online blogs, podcasts, and social media — play a significant role in shaping public and personal opinions. The sheer volume of information available presents a challenge. Information overload is a thing. Individuals are selective in what they consume, often gravitating towards sources that align with their pre-existing beliefs — confirmation bias. For example, a staunch supporter of a particular political party might primarily consume news from outlets known for their partisan leanings, reinforcing their existing views and potentially shielding them from alternative perspectives. This selective exposure can lead to the creation of “echo chambers,” where individuals are primarily exposed to information that confirms their biases, further solidifying their opinions and potentially leading to polarization. Our recent awareness regarding the proliferation of misinformation and disinformation online exacerbates this problem, making it increasingly difficult to discern fact from fiction, and contributing to the spread of unsubstantiated beliefs and wacky conspiracy theories.
Beyond the news, personal experiences profoundly shape our opinions. A traumatic event, such as a car accident or a personal loss, can significantly alter an individual’s worldview and beliefs. For example, someone who has been a victim of a crime might develop a strong opinion about criminal justice reform, advocating for stricter penalties or increased police presence.
Similarly, positive experiences can also shape opinions. A person who has benefited from a particular social program might become a strong advocate for its continuation and expansion. These personal narratives carry significant weight emotionally, often outweighing statistical data or abstract arguments. The power of personal experience is evident in the ongoing debate surrounding gun control. While statistical data on gun violence exists, the emotional impact of personal stories of victims and survivors often dominates the public discourse. As tragic as their stories are, they are not enough to sway the opinions of lawmakers to make meaningful gun control changes. Given the recent election results, is it possible some in Congress may want to mandate gun ownership?
The influence of social groups, relationships, and peer pressure are other critical factors in opinion formation. Humans are inherently social creatures, and our opinions are often shaped by the beliefs and attitudes of those around us. Family, friends, and peers exert powerful influence, particularly during our formative years. Children often adopt the political and religious beliefs of their parents, a process of social learning that establishes foundational opinions. Later in life, peer pressure and social conformity can continue to shape opinions, particularly within close-knit groups. The desire to believe in something and belong to something is our way of seeking social acceptance, which can lead individuals to adopt the views of their social circles, even if those views contradict their own initial inclinations. This phenomenon is particularly evident in online communities, where individuals may express opinions that align with the dominant views of the group to avoid ostracism and minimize conflict. Remember McCarthyism? Look at the Fox News propaganda outlet. These demonstrate the power of socio-political and media pressure to suppress dissenting opinions. Fear of being labeled a communist, a fascist, or anti-American can lead many individuals to conform to the prevailing pro-America, anti-immigrant sentiment.
Cognitive processes also play a significant role in opinion formation. Our brains are constantly processing information, trying to make sense of the world around us.
When something resonates with you, it means it deeply affects you on a personal level, striking a chord within you, making you feel a strong connection to the idea, experience, or message because it aligns with your own thoughts, feelings, or beliefs; essentially, it feels particularly meaningful or relevant to your life. Thank you limbic system!
Our challenge lies in cultivating critical thinking skills, seeking diverse perspectives, and engaging in respectful civil discourse, especially when faced with conflicting opinions. It’s a real effort to build a more informed, tolerant, and peaceful society. Meanwhile, I’ll just limbic along, sans lima beans.
Got opinions?
IMHO (In My Humble Opinion)
