Motivated Social Cognition

Motivated social cognition refers to the way our desires, goals, and emotions influence how we think about and interpret the social world around us. Essentially, our motivations shape the way we perceive others, process social information, and form opinions, often to align with what we want or believe. This process helps us maintain a positive self-image, reduce psychological discomfort, or achieve specific objectives. While it can provide comfort or clarity, it can also bias our judgments, leading us to see situations in a way that supports our existing beliefs or desires.