To change our own thinking, or to change the thinking of others right in front of us, what processes does it take? In this article, we will talk about changing minds, which is based on What does it take to change a mind? by Lucinda Beaman from TEDxSydney.
When an argument begins, it may be opened with information from the first side, followed by information from the second side, which of course must be information that is contrary to the first side, otherwise it cannot be called an argument. After that, each side brings out evidence, information, or evidence that they have. In the end, who exactly, which side will be the one who has to change their minds? And why do they agree to change their minds?
Lucinda Beaman says her job as a fact-checking editor involves checking the truth of conversations and media outlets that are being shared in Australia. She works with experts and academics who specialize in examining facts and evidence to determine whether they are true or not.
“Sharing accurate information is the foundation of a healthy society.”
In today’s publishing society, whether in person or online (which seems to be more heavily online), it’s easy to be deceived, and it’s hard to verify whether what we read is true. Lucinda’s work is to fact-check information disseminated by organizations, exposing false stories and harmful information to reveal the right facts, which are safe for the public who are waiting to consume the information.
“Believe the information received the first time while denying the facts of the information sent the second time.”
Lucinda’s work serves as a plot twist in many cases. For example, the case of the publication of a photo of a white girl with a bloody face, a mutilated face, and a black African man in the photo as well. Amidst the racial tension, many people forwarded the photo and wrote similar messages like, “This is what the savages did to white children in South Africa. They carved a smiley face on her face.” And of course, don’t forget to add the hashtag “#StopFarmKillsAndGenocide.”
“This is the era where people are wreaking tragedy online, with the weapon of text.”
The girl is safe. She did not die from murder. The truth is, the wounds on her face were caused by her family’s dog that attacked her. But how many people will receive this information, change their initial belief, apologize to the man, or even think about how these things affected an innocent man?
“My job ends and yours begins.”
Lucinda said that her job is to hunt for the truth from what is published. When she reveals the truth, her job is done. The rest is up to the receiver. Will you accept the truth again? Or will you stick to the first information you receive? Most facts are often social issues that affect feelings. They become an environment that surrounds us and affects our decisions without realizing it. We organize it as an experience and use these things to make the next decision. Each piece of information received, each piece is important to each person’s life.
“Our reception of information is subject to confirmation bias and motivated reasoning.”
Illusion: What happens to the receiver of information that only receives the first piece of information, or the information that they are satisfied with. New information is difficult for the brain to process. Therefore, old, familiar information, when repeatedly reminded, can become a firm belief. Or receiving information in a motivated way, such as receiving information from a desired source, will automatically believe it. While if it is the same information but from an unwanted source, they will find reasons to contradict it and not accept it immediately.
“Everyone craves to be trusted and respected.”
Everyone wants to be trusted and respected. These skills come from people who are compassionate, humble, and courageous. But not everyone has these skills. These skills will make you trustworthy and respectful. But when you want to be trusted and respected, you have to ask yourself, are you giving them what you need?
“It is better to believe the wrong and have your allies than to be right alone.”
Data is what changes the beliefs in our heads. Whether it is processed to understand or not depends on us. Some people choose to throw away the correct information even though they know that it is the correct truth, just because they are afraid of being left out, afraid that if they choose to believe in what is right, they will be ostracized from their group who believe in something else. And there are many such people.
“Have you ever asked yourself what you want from an argument?”
Arguments happen all the time, whether at home, at work, or on the way home. But have you ever asked yourself what the point of arguing is? Is it to hurt one of you? Maybe you just want to change the other person’s mind? Do you just want a little nod and a “You’re right”? If that’s what you want, when was the last time you changed your mind?
“The Lost Art of Conflict”
Conflict does not only have negative effects, because in the past, people have argued all along. There is a problematic process of finding a way to defend one’s own reasons, until developing those thoughts until it becomes many new ideas during the argument. But at present, what is left from the argument is resentment and a relationship that cannot be rekindled on both sides.
“Listen to understand, not to argue.”
If your argument starts with a misunderstanding, the way to get through it without anyone getting hurt is to let go of all your biases, stop caring who wins or loses, listen to the other person to understand why they believe what they believe, and explain your beliefs calmly. The outcome doesn’t always have to be someone who is right or wrong, or someone who has to change their beliefs, because you may end up with a new belief that is somewhere in between.
“Controversy is not something to avoid if you know how to handle it.”
Humans are curious creatures. Arguing is simply an exchange of curiosity between two parties. What makes an argument work is that we must be empathetic and curious. This allows us to see things more broadly, to open our minds, and to understand other people’s beliefs more. And when you are the one explaining, try as hard as you can to convey the information. Find at least one point where both parties can agree, no matter how small it is.
Conclusion
We are faced with arguments that often force us to choose between changing our own thinking and proving that our own thinking is the best. Almost everyone chooses to prove that their own thinking is better than others’.
Because of self-confidence, we believe that the information we have is correct. But the real result of the argument is not to find out who is right or wrong, but to find evidence to prove each other with mindfulness, emotional intelligence, and empathy for others, and to have the courage to adjust or change your own thinking.
The bottom line is that changing mindsets, whether it’s your own or other people’s, will never happen if everyone is trying to beat each other.
“True argument is stating cold facts with warm compassion.”
Reference : What does it take to change a mind? | Lucinda Beaman | TEDxSydneyey
