Self-Deception Can Lead Us to Believe Our Lies and Enhance Our Persuasiveness

In politics, the mainstream and social media are full of people who believe their lies and propagate them readily. Some observers have argued that President Trump, who has been shown to utter hundreds of lies, according to fact-check sources, during his two administrations, believes his lies.

Self-deception is a captivating psychological phenomenon that allows individuals to believe their lies, often without conscious awareness. This cognitive bias can shape perceptions, influence behavior, and even enhance persuasiveness in social interactions. By convincing ourselves of a falsehood, we can persuade others more effectively, as our confidence and sincerity seem genuine.

The Psychological Basis of Self-Deception

Self-deception involves a complex interplay of cognitive biases, defense mechanisms, and social influences. Psychological theories suggest that individuals engage in self-deception to uphold a positive self-image, reduce cognitive dissonance, and navigate social hierarchies. Key mechanisms include:

• Cognitive Dissonance: When individuals hold conflicting beliefs or behaviors, they may alter their perception of reality to align with their desired self-concept.
• Motivated Reasoning…