What does selective perception refer to?

Selective perception refers to the psychological process in which individuals favor information that conforms to their existing beliefs and attitudes. This means that when people encounter new information, they are more likely to interpret, focus on, or remember details that are consistent with their preconceived notions and biases. For example, a person who has a strong political affiliation may only seek out news sources or information that supports their political views and disregard any information that challenges or contradicts those views.

This bias in perception plays a significant role in how individuals engage with political information, leading to a reinforcement of existing beliefs rather than a balanced understanding of differing perspectives or evidence. As a result, selective perception can influence public opinion and political behavior, as people may become entrenched in their views, making it difficult to reach common ground in political discussions.