A bias in thinking and behaviour intertwined with belief perseverance – by exposing ourselves to information we know in advance is likely to support what we are already inclined to think we are liable to see our beliefs maintained.

Those with so-called liberal views will tend to seek out and read sources of information with a perceived liberal editorial leaning and likewise so-called conservatives will tend towards ‘conservative’ sources. Not unsurprisingly, when the arguments on the side where one’s sympathies lay appear formidable and difficult to refute people’s interest with that side becomes more intense, whereas should an opposing case seem unconvincing and easy to refute attention is drawn to that line of reasoning.

This propensity to reinforce one’s prejudices is well-established and can be associated with the idea of “preaching to the choir” – an intellectual hazard cautioned against by more than a few rational sceptics.

Selective exposure may also be linked with self-deception. For example, imagine as a committee chairperson one asks a fellow member to give what they think are the best reasons why some course of action the committee is considering is good. After hearing these impressive-sounding points you might be really struck by the plan without recognizing that you are neglecting what may be compelling observations against that option (see also: Confirmation bias, Groupthink).

Remarkably, actors show a tendency to change their beliefs in response to one-sided evidence for a position which accords with one’s own, even when they know that the information is one-sided! This perhaps is the equivalent of a juror in a criminal trial fixing upon a conviction in light of hearing the prosecution’s case, but showing no curiosity for what the defendant has to say!

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