The behavior you described, where people shut down a conversation when faced with a point they can't counter, can be attributed to several factors, including cognitive dissonance and other psychological aspects:
Cognitive Dissonance: Cognitive dissonance is a psychological phenomenon that occurs when there is a conflict between a person's beliefs, attitudes, or values and their actions or other beliefs. When confronted with a point that challenges their existing beliefs or opinions, they might experience discomfort. To reduce this discomfort, some individuals may avoid engaging with the challenging point altogether, which can result in shutting down the conversation.
Ego and Identity: People often identify strongly with their beliefs and opinions, and having those beliefs challenged can feel like a personal attack. Admitting they don't have an answer might be perceived as a sign of weakness or vulnerability, leading them to avoid acknowledging the challenge altogether.
Emotional Avoidance: Some individuals may have difficulty handling intense emotions like frustration, anger, or embarrassment. Instead of dealing with these emotions, they might choose to avoid the situation entirely.
Confirmation Bias: Confirmation bias is the tendency to favor information that confirms preexisting beliefs or opinions while disregarding or dismissing information that contradicts them. When faced with a challenging point, people might unconsciously seek out reasons to dismiss it or focus on any weaknesses in the opposing argument.
Lack of Communication Skills: Some people might lack the communication skills necessary to articulate their thoughts effectively or respond to challenging points in a constructive manner. As a result, they may resort to shutting down the conversation as a defense mechanism.
Fear of Conflict: Engaging in a challenging conversation can be uncomfortable and potentially lead to conflict. Some individuals might avoid conflict altogether by shutting down the conversation, as they might not have the confidence or skills to handle disagreements in a productive way.
While cognitive dissonance and emotional factors play a role in such behaviors, it's essential to recognize that different individuals may react differently to challenging points based on their personalities, past experiences, and communication styles. Some people may be open to revisiting their beliefs, while others may be more resistant to change.
Promoting open dialogue and cultivating a respectful and understanding environment can help encourage people to engage in constructive conversations even when faced with challenging points. Active listening, empathy, and a willingness to consider alternative viewpoints can contribute to more meaningful and productive discussions.