RE: 17th July we were awarded a Grant5 Aug 2025 09:41
There’s an interesting psychological/social pattern where criticism of deeply held beliefs—especially religious ones—doesn’t weaken those beliefs but ends up reinforcing them. We also see it on here all the time. They’re likely to interpret the criticism not as a reason to reconsider, but as a threat. This leads to a defensive reaction that strengthens their belief and brings their community closer together. Door knockers for instance when turned away just feel more strongly attached to their beliefs and take comfort in that community.
Belief perseverance means they’ll hold onto the belief it even when shown evidence that contradicts it. And then cognitive dissonance is how it feels unnatural and uncomfortable to hold two conflicting ideas at once. so rather than admit we might be wrong, it's easier to double down on something we've committed time and energy to, than completely change our mindset.
There’s also a strong social component. When criticism comes from an outsider, it often triggers an "us vs. them" mindset. This can lead to tighter in-group cohesion, more loyalty, and even the feeling that the criticism is a kind of persecution. For religious groups with narratives around being tested or opposed, criticism can actually seem like validation of their worldview.
Interestingly, the same pattern plays out in investing. If someone is heavily invested (financially and emotionally) in a specific stock or company, they often react to criticism of that company in the same way a devout believer might react to criticism of their religion/god. Instead of looking at the analysis objectively, they feel personally attacked. The stock isn’t just a financial asset anymore, it’s part of their identity. They may have spent months defending it online, encouraging others to buy in, and tying their reputation to its success.
As a result, any negative information is dismissed, and those who question the stock are branded as haters, trolls, shorters etc. Only positive narratives are allowed and dissenting opinions are pushed aside and labelled as people with ulterior motives, when in reality they're just saying it as they see it. Just like with religion, the tighter the group and the higher the emotional investment, the harder it becomes to have a rational conversation.
In both cases, once belief becomes tribal, criticism doesn’t open minds it closes them. And unless someone is truly open to questioning their position, more criticism only deepens the commitment. It's really interesting to see it play out here, although at times very frustrating!
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