The tendency for people with strong beliefs to dismiss others' views as "too extreme" can be attributed to several psychological and cognitive factors:
Confirmation bias: When individuals hold strong beliefs, they often seek out information that confirms and reinforces their existing views. This confirmation bias can lead them to see opposing viewpoints as extreme because those ideas challenge their established beliefs and are perceived as threats to their worldview.
Cognitive dissonance: When confronted with views that contradict their own, people may experience cognitive dissonance - a state of mental discomfort caused by holding contradictory beliefs or values. To reduce this discomfort, individuals may dismiss opposing views as "too extreme" in order to protect their sense of consistency and avoid confronting the possibility that their beliefs could be flawed.
Identity protection: Strongly held beliefs can become intertwined with a person's identity, contributing to a sense of self. When someone feels that their identity is tied to a particular belief system, they may perceive opposing views as not just different but as an attack on their very identity. Consequently, they label those opposing views as "extreme" to distance themselves from them and maintain their self-concept.
Social influence and group dynamics: People often form social bonds and affiliations with others who share similar beliefs. These social circles can create echo chambers where dissenting opinions are discouraged or rejected. In such environments, individuals may label outside views as "too extreme" because they contrast with the norms and values of their social group.
Emotional reasoning: Emotions can heavily influence the way people perceive and evaluate information. When emotions like fear, anger, or anxiety are associated with a particular viewpoint, individuals may interpret opposing views as extreme, irrational, or dangerous, regardless of their actual merits.
Lack of empathy and perspective-taking: Strongly held beliefs can lead to a reduced ability to empathize with the experiences and perspectives of others. This lack of empathy can make it challenging for individuals to understand why someone else might hold opposing views, and they may label those views as "extreme" without fully considering the reasoning behind them.
It's important to note that this dismissal of opposing views as "too extreme" is not limited to people with strong beliefs alone. It can be a common cognitive bias that affects all individuals to some extent. Recognizing and understanding these cognitive biases can help promote open-mindedness and constructive dialogue when discussing differing perspectives.