#49 Selective Reality Avoidance: Why Smart People Ignore the Truth

In this episode, Ryan McNeil coins a new term — Selective Reality Avoidance (SRA) — to describe why otherwise intelligent, capable people deliberately ignore uncomfortable truths.From willful blindness to cognitive dissonance, Ryan unpacks the psychology behind SRA, shares real-life conversations that inspired it, and shows how AI tools like ChatGPT can help us think deeper, debate smarter, and cut through selective thinking.In This Episode:• How SRA shows up in everyday conversations• The link between willful blindness, cognitive dissonance & “avoiding reality”• Using AI to brainstorm, challenge ideas, and improve communication• Why SRA is a growing problem in today’s political and social climate📢 Disclaimer:This episode provides vital context, commentary, and analysis on issues affecting Canadians. Our goal is to present involved parties accurately, highlight significant developments, and encourage discussion about how these actions align with Canadian values and long-term interests.