What does cognitive dissonance involve regarding belief reinforcement?

Cognitive dissonance refers to the psychological discomfort that arises when an individual holds two or more contradictory beliefs or when their beliefs clash with new information. In the context of belief reinforcement, individuals experiencing cognitive dissonance are motivated to reduce this discomfort. One common way to achieve this is by avoiding information that contradicts their existing beliefs. This tendency to avoid conflicting information helps maintain a consistent belief system and protects the individual from the anxiety associated with dissonance.

In contrast, seeking conflicting information or openly discussing opposing views would typically amplify the dissonance, making the individual feel even more uncomfortable. Encouraging diverse opinions may provide a broader perspective but does not directly relate to the concept of cognitive dissonance, which is about managing internal conflict.