A Framework on Polarization, Cognitive Inflexibility, and Rigid Cognitive Specialization

Bibliographic Data

ID7528830
AuthorsJames Shyan-Tau Wu (0000-0001-9855-9096, University of British Columbia, corresponding author), Christoph Hauert (0000-0002-1239-281X, University of British Columbia), Claire Kremen (0000-0001-6909-4605, University of British Columbia), Jiaying Zhao (0000-0002-6009-0568, University of British Columbia)
Year2022
Volume13
Pages776891-776891
Publication date2022-03-24
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueFrontiers in Psychology (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1664-1078 • E-ISSN: 1664-1078
PublisherFrontiers Media (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3389/fpsyg.2022.776891
PMID35401343
OpenAlexW4221004685
LanguageEN
Citations received6
References cited26

Polarization is pervasive in the current sociopolitical discourse. Polarization tends to increase cognitive inflexibility where people become less capable of updating their beliefs upon new information or switching between different ways of thinking. Cognitive inflexibility can in turn increase polarization. We propose that this positive feedback loop between polarization and cognitive inflexibility is a form of threat response that has benefited humans throughout their evolutionary history. This feedback loop, which can be driven by conflict mindset, group conformity, and simplification of information, facilitates the formation of strong bonds within a group that are able to eliminate threats and increase individual fitness. Although cognitive inflexibility is conventionally seen as maladaptive, here we argue that cognitive inflexibility may be an adaptation under polarization. That is, in a highly polarized society most people only interact with members of their own social group, without having to confront perspectives from another group or interacting with out-group members. In this context, cognitive inflexibility creates rigid cognitive specialization, a set of cognitive traits that allow people to operate efficiently within their social circles but not outside of it. Although rigid cognitive specialization benefits individuals in the short term, it may lead to more polarization over the long run, and thus produce more conflict between groups. We call on future research to examine the link between cognitive inflexibility and rigid cognitive specialization

Cognition · Cognitive flexibility · Cognitive psychology · Cognitive style · Mindset · Polarization (electrochemistry · Computer Science · Evolutionary Game Theory and Cooperation · Neuroscience · Opinion Dynamics and Social Influence · Psychology · Social and Intergroup Psychology · Social Psychology

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