Motivated reasoning is a cognitive process where individuals form conclusions based on their desires and emotions rather than objective evidence. This means that people often interpret information in a way that supports their pre-existing beliefs or feelings, leading to biased decision-making. For example, someone who strongly supports a political figure may overlook negative information about them while emphasizing positive aspects.
This phenomenon can affect various areas, including politics, health decisions, and social issues. It highlights how personal motivations can shape our understanding of reality, making it challenging to engage in rational discussions or change one’s viewpoint based on factual information.