TED-ED: Do politics make us irrational? - Jay Van Bavel

The video discusses a study where math skills and political identity were tested using two questions. Despite being mathematically identical, political identity influenced the answers more than math skills. This highlights the role of partisanship, a cognitive bias where group identity affects perception. Partisanship can lead to cognitive dissonance, where individuals prioritize group beliefs over facts. This is particularly problematic in politics, leading to polarization and decisions not based on truth. Strategies to combat this include recognizing bias, fact-checking, and framing issues in relatable terms.

How can individuals maintain a positive relationship with their group while also perceiving the world accurately?

In what ways has partisan polarization increased in recent decades?

What role does social media play in the phenomenon of partisanship?