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cognitive dissonance
What does cognitive dissonance mean?
Loosely, any jarring contradiction that messes with your head.
"Pure cognitive dissonance seeing my strict teacher dancing at a club."
Origin
Coined by psychologist Leon Festinger in 1957. The term leaked into everyday and online vocabulary as people used it to describe contradictions and hypocrisy.
Frequently asked questions
What does cognitive dissonance mean?
It's the mental discomfort of holding two conflicting beliefs, or acting against what you believe.
Who came up with cognitive dissonance?
Psychologist Leon Festinger introduced the concept in 1957.
What does cognitive dissonance mean on TikTok?
It's often used loosely for any jarring contradiction or to call out someone's hypocrisy.
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