"The Backfire Effect: Retaliation or Reflection?"

"The Backfire Effect" occurs when someone’s strongly held belief becomes even more rigid after they encounter evidence contradicting it. Instead of changing their mind, they become defensive or reinforce their original stance, often rationalizing or dismissing the new information. This reaction is sometimes seen as retaliation—responding aggressively to challenge—or as reflection—an internal process of resisting change. Understanding this helps explain why debates can reinforce beliefs instead of changing minds, highlighting the importance of approach and framing when discussing sensitive topics to avoid unintentionally strengthening existing convictions.