Doublethink

The phenomenon of Doublethink was coined by George Orwell in his dystopian novel "1984." It describes the ability to simultaneously accept two contradictory beliefs and hold them both as true.

Doublethink in Health Information

Doublethink is often recognizable when we deal with the dissemination of health literacy or health information in general. Health knowledge is often conveyed using information that serves less the recipient. Creators and stakeholders who design health information always have an economic aspect in mind. The paradigm of advertising is a subject of health information, not just in the primary health market. This reflects Doublethink.

Characteristics of Doublethink

• Conscious suppression of contradictions in one's own beliefs

• Simultaneous acceptance of opposing facts or ideas

• Selective perception to maintain incompatible notions

Social Relevance

In modern society, Doublethink is evident in various contexts:

• Politics: When people support contradictory political positions

• Consumer behavior: Awareness of climate-harmful behavior while simultaneously clinging to it

• Work environment: The simultaneous advocacy for work-life balance and overwork

Example from the Cultural Landscape Area

Here, a tree should be protected from damage by wildlife with plastic.

Psychological Mechanisms

Doublethink is based on various psychological processes:

• Cognitive dissonance and its active suppression

• Self-deception as a defense mechanism

• Compartmentalization of knowledge and beliefs

The phenomenon of Doublethink illustrates the complex nature of human cognition and our ability to unite contradictory thoughts – often at the expense of intellectual honesty.