Research across social sciences shows that people sometimes affirm false statements not due to a lack of intelligence, but to express their affiliation with a particular belief system.
The term 'expressive responding' obscures the reality of denying facts for emotional expression, potentially undermining the seriousness of such irrational beliefs in our society.
Studies reveal a striking example of expressive responding: supporters of Trump insisting on the larger crowd size at his inauguration despite photographic evidence proving otherwise.
Labeling it 'expressive responding' makes irrational beliefs sound almost virtuous, when they should be recognized for their detrimental effects on social discourse.
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