The Psychological Drivers Behind Political Support: Why Do People Believe Lies?

The question of whether supporters of Boris Johnson and Donald Trump share similar psychological traits has been a subject of debate. While notable differences exist between these political figures, there are some striking similarities in their base of support. This article explores the psychological drivers behind such support and why people still believe in lies, even when presented with overwhelming evidence to the contrary.

Introduction to Supportive Psychological Traits

It has often been remarked that Boris Johnson’s lack of supporters was a significant factor in his resignation. However, both Trump and Johnson supporters share common traits that contribute to their loyalty and belief in the figures, despite the evident contraventions of truth and integrity.

Masochistic Pleasure and Political Dynamics

The experience of pleasure derived from suffering, a concept known as masochism, is not exclusive to politics or religion. Many individuals, including political supporters, may find a form of pleasure in the pain and struggle associated with their political beliefs. This phenomenon is often observed among those who support leaders who engage in dishonesty or scandalous behaviors.

Belief in Lies and the Right vs. Left

Another similarity between Trump and Johnson supporters is their tendency to believe in lies. This is evident among both right and left-wing supporters. Democrat and Labour supporters have also shown a willingness to believe misinformation. However, right-wing supporters are more likely to demand integrity and punishment from politicians, regardless of their personal history. Left-wing supporters, on the other hand, tend to support their leaders without demanding accountability, even in the face of proven corruption.

Key Similarities in Political Support

Two major similarities can be observed among the supporters of both Boris Johnson and Donald Trump:

Winning is more important than doing the right thing: Regardless of the moral implications, the support for these leaders often hinges on their ability to win and maintain power. Simple answers to complicated questions: Supporters are often attracted to leaders who offer simplistic solutions to complex problems, as these provide a sense of clarity and control.

The Role of Confirmation Bias

The phenomenon of believing in lies and maintaining loyalty to untrustworthy leaders can be attributed to a cognitive bias known as confirmation bias. This is the tendency to favor information that confirms one's preexisting beliefs and to ignore or dismiss contradictory evidence. As individuals, we often seek out information that supports our existing worldviews and discount information that challenges them.

Confirmation bias is particularly prevalent among those with a conservative worldview. The oversimplification of complex issues and a reliance on gut instinct and intuition often leads to less critical thinking. Conversely, individuals with a liberal worldview may be prone to overcomplicating simple issues, leading to similar biases.

The Human Enigma

As humans, we are a complex amalgamation of instincts, motivations, and cognitive biases. Understanding the inner workings of our brains and how they influence our behavior remains a challenging puzzle. Despite significant progress in neuroscience, we still have a limited grasp of how our minds process information and form opinions.

The complexity of human decision-making is further compounded by the confirmation bias, where people prefer information that aligns with their preconceptions. This can lead to a form of self-deception, where individuals believe they are making rational decisions based on common sense and reality, when in fact, they are reinforcing their preexisting beliefs.

Conclusion

While Boris Johnson and Donald Trump may differ in their personal attributes, their supporters share common psychological traits. The desire for simplicity, the acceptance of unverified information, and the tendency to believe in lies are significant factors. Understanding these biases can help us navigate the complex landscape of politics and foster a more informed and rational public discourse.

Ultimately, recognizing and overcoming confirmation bias is crucial for making more objective judgments and fostering a more informed society. By acknowledging the complex and often paradoxical nature of human behavior, we can work towards a more nuanced understanding of political support and the factors that drive it.