Why People Shift the Subject in an Argument: Protecting the Brain Heuristic
Have you ever found yourself in an argument where the other person suddenly changes the subject? This is a common occurrence, and one that leaves many people scratching their heads. Initially, the answer might be as simple as the person feeling they are losing the argument and attempting to redirect the conversation. However, there is a deeper explanation rooted in human psychology and evolutionary behaviors.
The Psychology of Subject Changes in Arguments
Many argue that when the subject shifts during an emotional or heated discussion, it is a reaction to fear of being proven wrong. This fear can be especially intense when the argument pertains to deeply held beliefs, such as religion or politics. The brain, in an effort to protect itself from the discomfort of this realization, uses a heuristic. A heuristic in this context is a mental shortcut that helps simplify decision-making processes to avoid unwanted outcomes. When the subject changes, it’s often a way to manage the cognitive dissonance that comes with admitting one’s beliefs might be incorrect.
Humans are deeply social creatures, and the need to belong to a group is a significant evolutionary trait. This need to belong can lead to unconscious behaviors where individuals might unconsciously change the subject to avoid the discomfort of being proven wrong, which could potentially isolate them from their community. By shifting the topic, one can maintain a sense of security and belonging without having to face the potential consequences of admitting to being wrong.
Exploring Other Reasons for Subject Changes
While the brain protection heuristic is a significant factor, there are other reasons why people might shift the subject in an argument:
1. Misinformation or Refusal to Accept Facts
In many cases, the person changing the subject might be misinformed or simply unwilling to accept the facts presented. Changing the subject can sometimes be a way to avoid discussing the voids in their argument or the exposure of information that might contradict their beliefs.
2. Testing Intelligence Levels
Some individuals might shift the subject to evaluate the level of intelligence and communication skills of the other person. This can often be seen in debate settings where the goal is not to reach a conclusion but to win the argument. By introducing a new topic, these individuals might hope to demonstrate their expertise or build a straw man argument to discredit their opponent.
Why People Choose to Stay in the Argument Loop
Given the potential for embarrassment or perceived loss, many people remain entrenched in the argument loop. This loop is more common than one might think, affecting everyone, not just the person presenting the argument. There is a considerable reluctance to admit being wrong, even on small matters, due to the protective mechanisms of the brain.
There are strategies to help break this cycle, including:
Admitting When You Are Wrong: Acknowledging mistakes is a crucial step in personal growth and maintaining intellectual honesty. Pat Yourself on the Back: Physically rewarding oneself for admitting mistakes can reinforce the positive behavior. Practice and Effort: Changing deeply held beliefs or opinions requires practice and dedication, but it is possible with consistent effort.Understanding why people shift the subject in arguments and the underlying psychological and evolutionary factors can help in navigating debates and discussions more effectively, fostering a more constructive and respectful environment.