The phenomenon of people with strong beliefs dismissing others' views as "too extreme" can be attributed to several factors, including cognitive biases and psychological defense mechanisms. Here are some reasons that can help explain this behavior:
Confirmation bias: People tend to seek out and interpret information that confirms their existing beliefs while disregarding or downplaying information that contradicts them. When they encounter views that challenge their own, they may perceive those views as "extreme" because they don't align with their preconceived notions.
Cognitive dissonance: When individuals are confronted with opposing viewpoints, it can create cognitive dissonance - a state of mental discomfort caused by holding contradictory beliefs or values. To alleviate this discomfort, they might dismiss the conflicting views as too extreme rather than seriously considering them.
Group identity and social influence: Strong beliefs are often linked to a person's sense of identity and belonging to a particular group or community. People might reject opposing views as extreme because accepting them could undermine their sense of identity and the cohesion of their social group.
Fear of uncertainty: Accepting alternative or conflicting views can introduce uncertainty and ambiguity. People with strong beliefs may find comfort in certainty, so they tend to dismiss other perspectives that challenge this certainty as overly extreme or unsettling.
Overconfidence effect: Individuals with strong beliefs may overestimate the accuracy and validity of their own views, leading them to perceive other opinions as extreme or misguided in comparison.
Psychological defense mechanism: Dismissing others' views as extreme can also serve as a psychological defense mechanism. It helps protect their self-esteem and shields them from having to question or challenge their own beliefs.
In-group/out-group bias: People often show favoritism toward members of their own group (in-group) and perceive those outside their group (out-group) as different and less favorable. This bias can lead them to label the views of outsiders as extreme simply due to the perceived differences.
Lack of exposure to diverse perspectives: If individuals have limited exposure to diverse viewpoints, they may not fully understand or appreciate alternative opinions, leading them to label them as extreme without considering their context or reasoning.
It's important to recognize these factors to foster more open and constructive dialogue among individuals with differing beliefs. Encouraging empathy, active listening, and a willingness to engage in respectful discussions can help bridge the gaps between different viewpoints.