Benjamin Franklin Effect

The Benjamin Franklin effect is a specific manifestation of Cognitive Dissonance Entrenches Beliefs After Commitment. It is the observation that a person who has done someone a favor is more likely to do that person another favor than they would be if they had received a favor from that person.

The Psychology Behind It:

The act of doing a favor for someone creates cognitive dissonance if we don't particularly like them. To resolve this dissonance, our brain changes our perception of the person.

1. Action: I did a favor for Person X.
2. Dissonance: I don't have strong positive feelings for Person X. Why would I do them a favor?
3. Resolution: My brain concludes, "I must actually like Person X more than I thought." This justifies the action and resolves the dissonance.

As Benjamin Franklin wrote in his autobiography, after borrowing a rare book from a political rival, the rival became much more civil and ready to help him in the future. The act of lending the book (the favor) changed the rival's perception of Franklin.

This principle shows how our actions can shape our beliefs and attitudes, rather than the other way around.

Tags: #psychology #social-psychology #cognitive-dissonance #benjamin-franklin-effect #persuasion #relationships